PHYSICAL RESTRAINT/SECLUSION

Guidelines and Procedures

OAR 581-021-0061 and 581-021-0062

Physical restraint means the restriction of a student’s movement by one or more persons holding the student or applying physical pressure upon the student.  Physical restraint does not include touching or holding a student without the use of force for the purpose of directing the student or assisting the student in completing a task or activity.

Seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room from which the student is prevented from leaving.  Seclusion does not include “time out” which means removing a student for a short time to provide the student with an opportunity to regain self-control, in a setting from which the student is not physically prevented from leaving.  When school staff is considering using an enclosed space for seclusion that has not been inspected or approved by District Special Programs administration, contact Special Programs for review of the space.  Do not use the space without approval.

Using the above definitions, the following guidelines and procedures will apply:

Physical restraint will be used only:

• • To protect the student from physical harm to self or others, or destruction of District property which can lead to physical injury, and

  • When non-physical, less intrusive interventions are ineffective or deemed inappropriate due to the severity of the behavior, and/or

  • As part of the student’s behavior support plan

Physical restraint shall not be used to:

• • Discipline or punish a student or

  • Enforce compliance, unless physical harm is imminent

The Hillsboro School District has selected the Safety Care, which is designed to provide a set of skills and strategies that allow staff in a variety of settings to safely and humanely provide support to individuals who may sometimes exhibit disruptive or dangerous behaviors.  Prevention and de-escalation interventions in Safety Care are drawn from extensive clinical research on treatment of undesirable and dangerous behaviors.  This research has developed powerful, non-coercive ways to prevent crises and teach desirable, functional alternatives to dangerous and disruptive behavior.

Physical restraint will be applied by trained staff in accordance with the standards and procedures of the Safety Care. The District will maintain on-going training opportunities for staff that may be required to use physical interventions as part of their job assignment.

Every effort will be made to use non-physical intervention to prevent the need for physical restraint.  If a student has a history or pattern of aggressive behavior that requires physical intervention, the student’s educational team will develop a behavioral support plan to reflect this need.

It is necessary to document all occasions where a Restraint/Seclusion in some form was needed to maintain the safety of students and staff. Examples of interventions include Safety Care Restraints and/or or seclusion. 

After an incident has occurred:

• • All staff members present during the incident must complete the Use of Restraint/Seclusion Incident Report (SP133)

  • The parent/guardian must be notified of the restraint and/or seclusions by the end of the school day in which the incident took place. They may be notified by phone, email, or in person.

  • Copy of the completed Incident Report (SP133) must be provided to the parent/guardian within 24 hours of the incident

  • Copy of the Use of Restraint/Seclusion Debriefing Meeting Notes (SP134) must be provided to the parent/guardian within 48 hours of the incident

  • If restraint or seclusion continues for more than 30 minutes, the student must be provided with adequate access to bathroom and water every 30 minutes. If physical restraint or seclusion continues for more than 30 minutes, every 15 minutes after the first 30 minutes an administrator for the public education program must provide written authorization for the continuation of the physical restraint or seclusion, including providing documentation for the reason the physical restraint or seclusion must be continued. Whenever physical restraint or seclusion extends beyond 30 minutes, personnel of the District will immediately attempt to verbally or electronically notify a parent.

  • Distribute copy of the Incident Report (SP133) to cum file, case manager, and Student Services feeder team administrator’s secretary. A Safety Care trainer will review and track the incident within one week of incident. 

Documentation of a Behavioral Incident

Complete an SP133 Use of Restraint/Seclusion Incident Report when any of the following have occurred.  

• 1. Restraint was used; explanation is needed about why a restraint was needed. 

  2. Seclusion was used to keep a student safe. 

  3. A student engaged in an unusual behavior such as, but not limited to: 

     • threatening harm to self

     • physical aggression

     • running away 

 This list is not exclusive. When in doubt, fill it out. 

All Incident Reports and Debrief Forms email or share Google document with the Safety Care Team or send to AC205 - 

Please make a COPY of the forms below before filling out!