Seclusion and Restraint
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Seclusion and restraint are measures used in emergency situations stop students from injuring themselves or others around them. These two measures are extreme and should only be used as a last resort to handling classroom management issues. The Michigan Department of Education has clearly outlined seclusion and restraint guidelines. This resource is available at the bottom of this page. Any situation where seclusion or restraint is used must be immediately reported, documented and the parents of the child must be notified immediately within twenty-four hours of the incident.
Image source: http://bangordailynews.com/2012/03/09/news/state/maines-student-restraint-and-seclusion-rules-appear-headed-for-change-but-what-will-it-cost/
Seclusion
Seclusion should only be used when a student is at risk of injuring themselves or others. During seclusion, a student is secured in a room and prevented from leaving for no longer than fifteen minutes at the elementary level. A student in seclusion must be visually monitored by an adult to ensure the student's safety. The room that the student is secluded in should be closed but not locked. It should never be used for situations such as time-out as it is a safety measure and not a punishment.
Restraint
Restraint is another technique to be used only in emergency situations to restrict a student's physical movement, restraining only the student's head, limbs, or body. Restraint is only to be used when a student is a direct threat to others. It should not be used once a student has regained control of their actions. Physical restraint that inhibits a student's breathing or triggers a previous existing health condition should not be used.
Image source: http://bangordailynews.com/2012/03/09/news/state/maines-student-restraint-and-seclusion-rules-appear-headed-for-change-but-what-will-it-cost/
Seclusion
Seclusion should only be used when a student is at risk of injuring themselves or others. During seclusion, a student is secured in a room and prevented from leaving for no longer than fifteen minutes at the elementary level. A student in seclusion must be visually monitored by an adult to ensure the student's safety. The room that the student is secluded in should be closed but not locked. It should never be used for situations such as time-out as it is a safety measure and not a punishment.
Restraint
Restraint is another technique to be used only in emergency situations to restrict a student's physical movement, restraining only the student's head, limbs, or body. Restraint is only to be used when a student is a direct threat to others. It should not be used once a student has regained control of their actions. Physical restraint that inhibits a student's breathing or triggers a previous existing health condition should not be used.