Restrictive Procedures Guide
What are “restrictive procedures” and “physical holding”?
“Restrictive procedures” are the use of physical holding or seclusion in an emergency. “Physical holding” means physical intervention intended to hold a child immobile or limit a child’s movement where body contact is the only source of physical restraint, and where immobilization is used to effectively gain control of a child in order to protect a child or other individual from physical injury. The term physical holding does NOT mean physical contact that:
1. helps a child respond or complete a task (i.e., physical prompting)
2. assists a child without restricting the child’s movement
3. is needed to administer an authorized health-related service or procedure; or
4. is needed to physically escort a child when the child does not resist or the child’s resistance in minimal.
When can I use restrictive procedures?
Physical holding may be used ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY by staff that hold current CPI certification. Use of physical holding shall meet the following requirements:
1. Physical holding is the least intrusive intervention that effectively responds to the emergency;
2. Physical holding is not used to punish or discipline a noncompliant child;
3. Physical holding ends when the threat of harm ends and the staff determines the child can safely return to the classroom or activity;
4. Staff directly observes the child while physical holding is being used
An emergency is NOT:
1. Property destruction
2. Hiding under a desk or table
3. Running from staff
4. Refusal to go to class
5. A noncompliant child (unless failing to respond would result in physical injury to the child or other individual)
6. An emergency situation has already occurred and no threat of physical injury currently exists
What do I need to do if I have used restrictive procedures?
Each time physical holding or seclusion is used, the staff person who implements or oversees the physical holding or seclusion must complete the following, as soon as possible after the incident concludes:
1. “Use of Restrictive Procedures: Physical Holding” form (in SpEd Forms)
2. Parent notification should take place the same day a restrictive procedure is used or: on the child, or if the school is unable to provide same-day notice, notice is sent within two days by written or electronic means or as otherwise indicated by the child’s parents.
3. “Staff Debriefing Meeting” form (in SpEd Forms)
FAQs
What if I my team used physical restraint on a student, but it was not a CPI certified hold?
Staff should only be using physical holds that are CPI certified. If non-CPI holds are used, staff are still required to fill out the appropriate documentation (SpEd Forms “Staff Debriefing Meeting” form and “Use of Restrictive Procedures: Physical Holding” form), but must describe in detail the form of physical restraint used and why a CPI hold was not used.
If we use a hold on a student many times in one day (e.g. transporting), can I document them all in one form?
No. Each time restrictive procedures are used on a student you must complete the appropriate documentation (SpEd Forms “Staff Debriefing Meeting” form and “Use of Restrictive Procedures: Physical Holding” form) and notify parents. Remember, physical holds should only be used in an emergency; review “When can I use restrictive procedures” above. If your team is using physical restraint on a student regularly (on two or more separate school days within 30 calendar days), you likely need to reassess whether or not these situations are considered emergencies and must hold an IEP team meeting to review data, and consider additional supports for this student.
Can my team use modified CPI holds (e.g. student is sitting in a chair during Children’s Control)?
No. CPI holds such as Children’s Control are designed in a way that eliminate the dangers of restraint, and maximize staff and student safety. Modification of a CPI hold may increase the risk of restraint-related positional asphyxia and other injuries.
What if the team knows our student typically falls to the floor or engages in self-injury when prompted to transition to another activity/location- Can we use a preventative hold?
No. A hold may only be used in an emergency. See “When can I use restrictive procedures” above. Refusal to transition is not considered an emergency situation. If the student engages in problem behaviors to avoid a transition, staff should identify alternative strategies to address this behavior (e.g. wait the student out, block self-injury). If a student regularly engages in self-injury, such as head-banging, staff may want to consider carrying protective materials (a pillow or mat) when the danger of self-injury is present.
The above outlined restrictive procedures guide is based on the information governed by Minn. Stat.125A.094: Restrictive Procedures for Children with Disabilities.