Seclusion and Restraint
Seclusion and Restraint are two measures taken only in emergency situations to keep the individual, as well as others around them, safe. These steps would only be taken as a last resort, when the student's behavior is a clear and imminent risk to the safety of themselves and the people around them. The Michigan Department of Education has clearly outlined seclusion and restraint guidelines (provided below). It is important to be aware of what seclusion and restraint are, their limitations, as well as what they are not. Consider the following information:
Seclusion
1. A definition of seclusion- "Removing a student from the general activity and isolating him/her in a separate supervised area/room for a set period of time or until the student has regained control."
2. Seclusion typically should not exceed 15 minutes for elementary students and 20 minutes for high school students. Also, the student should be continuously visually monitored in seclusion.
3. Seclusion does not include: detention, in-school suspension, student requested break, having student return to his/her seat, or sitting on the sidelines.
Restraint
1. A defintion of restraint- "Holding a student in order to restrain his/her movement; use of physical force, without the use of any device or materials, to restrict the free movement of all or a portion of a student’s body."
2. Physical restraint should not be used any longer than necessary and should not exceed 10 minutes. Also, never at any point should restraint keep the student from breathing.
3. Restraint does not include: Comforting/calming a student, intervening in a fight, using protective or stabilizing devices prescribed by appropriate professionals, or holding a student's hand or arm to escort when student is complying.
For additional information, please visit:
http://www.specialed.us/S&R/S&R-index.html
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Seclusion_and_Restraint_Standards_180715_7.pdf