Seclusion and Restraint Policy

1. Seclusion and Restraint Policy Autauga county school system Board policy August 2013

2. Prohibited Seclusion A procedure that isolates and confines the student in a separate, locked area until he or she is no longer an immediate danger to himself/herself or others. The seclusion occurs in a specifically constructed or designated room or space that is physically isolated from common areas and from which the student is physically prevented from leaving.

3. Permissible Seclusion A staff member trained in the use of de-escalation techniques or restraint is physically present in the same unlocked room as the student; time-out as defined below; in-school suspension; alternative school; detention; or a student-requested break in a different location in the room or a separate room. Time-Out is a behavioral intervention in which the student is temporarily removed from the learning activity. Time-out is appropriately used when-room is unlocked, lit, ventilated, heated or cooled; the duration is reasonable, age appropriate (less than 45 min.), student is physically monitored, space is safe and there are no unsafe objects.

4. Prohibited Restraints Continued

5. Physical Restraint Continued • The following physical restraint is not allowed-direct physical contact from an adult that prevents or restricts movement UNLESS the student is a danger to himself or others and other behavior de-escalation techniques have not worked. • It can not be used as a form of discipline or punishment. • Autauga County Schools allows limited physical contact and/or redirection to promote student safety through redirecting, prompting, consoling, and so forth.

6. ACBOE Physical Restraint Procedures Physical restraint will be terminated when the student is no longer in danger to himself or others or if student is in severe distress. Parents notified annually of the policy. Annual staff and faculty training on the use of physical restraint and the Seclusion and Restraint Policy. Documentation of training provided annually to staff. Written parental notification (ACBOE Restraint Form) provided by the next day. Documentation by staff or supervisor regarding the reason and type of restraint applied. Annual report submitted to Alabama Department of Education and ACBOE regarding any restraint administered.

7. Allowable Practices Classroom management techniques or approaches including removal from the classroom. The right to use reasonable force per the Code of Alabama and ACBOE’s policy Reasonable actions to diffuse or break up a fight or altercation Reasonable action to obtain possession of a weapon/dangerous objects Discretion in the use of physical restraint to protect students or others from harm Law enforcement may be notified in severe cases. Parents must be notified if student is removed from the school.