About the Project

Introduction

Holding Differently, Containing Distress is a collaborative project working with the residential child care sector to understand how physical restraint is used, and to learn from practice where restraint has been reduced or avoided.

This site shares updates, resources and participation routes for people who work in residential child care, interested professionals, and care-experienced people (currently or previously living in residential child care).

What we are doing

There are two main phases:

1. Listening and understanding: an online survey to understand the current picture of physical restraint in Scotland.
2. Learning from practice: working with a small number of care providers to explore what helps when restraint is avoided.

• We will publish interim findings in plain language alongside reports.
• We will share resources that teams can use in practice and reflective learning.
• We will keep the content updated as the project progresses.

Project timeline

The project began in December 2025 and is due to finish in May 2028. The Timeline page provides a clear view of key stages and milestones.

Stay involved

If you would like to receive updates, you can register your interest. You can also visit the Get Involved page to see participation routes.