This policy outlines the guidelines for the use of restraint and seclusion in public education programs, emphasizing that these measures are to be employed only as a last resort when there is a high risk of harm and other less restrictive interventions have proven ineffective. Key points include:

  1. Purpose and Prohibition:

    • Restraint and seclusion are safety responses, not behavioral or therapeutic interventions.

    • They must not be used for discipline, punishment, retaliation, or the convenience of school personnel.

    • Any action intended primarily to inflict pain on a student is prohibited.

  2. Policy Adoption and Awareness:

    • School districts, education service districts (ESDs), and school boards must adopt written policies aligned with ORS 339.285 to 339.308 and OARs 581‐021‐0550 through 581‐021‐0570 and 581‐022‐2267.

    • These policies should be communicated to teachers, administrators, school employees, and school volunteers.

  3. Conditions for Use:

    • Restraint:

      • Can be used if a student's behavior poses a reasonable risk of imminent and substantial physical or bodily injury to themselves or others.

      • "Substantial physical or bodily injury" refers to any physical impairment requiring medical treatment.

    • Seclusion:

      • Can be used if a student's behavior poses a reasonable risk of imminent and serious bodily injury to themselves or others.

      • "Serious bodily injury" refers to significant physical impairment as determined by qualified medical personnel.

These guidelines ensure that restraint and seclusion are used appropriately and only when absolutely necessary to maintain safety in public education settings.

Restraint and Seclusion Report