3115 Physical Restraint and Seclusion

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STUDENTS 3115 Page 2 of 8 Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 personnel or utilized by a student that have been prescribed by an appropriate medical- related services professional and are used for the specific and approved purposes for which such devices were designed, such as: i. Adaptive devices or mechanical supports, when used to achieve proper body position, balance, or alignment to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without the use of such devices or mechanical supports; ii. Vehicle safety restraints, when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle; iii. Restraints for medical immobilization; or iv. Orthopedically prescribed devices that permit a student to participate in activities without risk of harm. c. “Chemical restraint” means the use of drugs or medication to control behavior. This term does not include drugs or medication prescribed by and administered in accordance with the directions of a qualified health professional. Idaho Code defines “Seclusion” to mean the involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving. This term does not include a timeout that is a behavior management technique that is part of an approved program, involves the monitored separation of the student in an unlocked setting, and is implemented for the purpose of calming. This policy further clarifies that “Seclusion” within the district shall also include involuntary confinement in a room or other space during which a student reasonably believes that he will be prevented from leaving. Means of seclusion include, the following: 1. manually, mechanically, or electrically locked doors that, when closed, cannot be opened from the inside; 2. blocking or other physical interference by staff; or 3. coercive measures, such as the threat of restraint, sanctions, or the loss of privileges that the student would otherwise have, used for the purpose of keeping the student from leaving the area of seclusion. APPROPRIATE USE OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINT OR SECLUSION Restraint or seclusion should only be implemented in situations where a student’s behavior poses imminent danger of serious physical harm to self or others, and not as a routine strategy to address instructional problems or inappropriate behavior. It is expected that school staff will consider implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports, functional behavioral assessments and related behavior plans, and utilize constructive methods, as appropriate, to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations. Staff members are authorized to restrain a student or place a student in seclusion only when an emergency, as defined above, exists. A student’s individual education program (IEP), 504 Plan, behavioral intervention plan (BIP), or crisis plan may contain clarifying information to help staff identify imminent danger for individual students. The following guidelines apply to the use of physical restraint or seclusion: