The U.S. Department of Education developed this document describing 15 principles to consider when developing or revising policies and procedures on the use of restraint and seclusion. The document is targeted to States, school districts, schools, parents, and other stakeholders. The 15 principles “stress that every effort should be made to prevent the need for the use of restraint and seclusion and that any behavioral intervention must be consistent with the child’s rights to be treated with dignity and to be free from abuse. The principles make clear that restraint or seclusion should never be used except in situations where a child’s behavior poses imminent danger of serious physical harm to self or others, and restraint and seclusion should be avoided to the greatest extent possible without endangering the safety of students and staff. The goal in presenting these principles is to help ensure that all schools and learning environments are safe for all children and adults.”
