DCPS Restraint & Seclusion Policy - Deadline 4/29/22
DCPS Restraint & Seclusion Policy - Deadline 4/29/22
DCPS is seeking comments on a proposed draft of the Restraint and Seclusion Policy as part of our periodic policy review process and in order to maintain alignment with local regulations and educational best practices.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all students and staff are safe in school; that students who may have a behavior crisis are free from inappropriate use of physical restraint or seclusion; and that the use of these techniques does not violate students’ rights, including students with disabilities. Seclusion and restraint are only permitted in emergency situations to protect a student or other person from imminent, serious physical harm and when other less intrusive, nonphysical interventions, including de-escalation, have failed or been determined to be inappropriate.
This policy conveys limitations on and requirements for the use of restraint and seclusion in emergency situations, and it is binding on all DCPS staff, contract employees, and volunteers. It also includes specific information on what emergency situations are, what DCPS staff are required to do when they occur, and what follow-up steps are necessary after restraint or seclusion is used.
Please provide all feedback by Friday, April 29, 2022. Lengthier comments can be emailed to dcps.policy@k12.dc.gov.