Restraint and Seclusion: Resource Document

This resource document presents and describes 15 principles for state, district, and school staff, parents, and other stakeholders to consider when states, localities and districts develop policies and procedures that should be in writing on the use of restraint and seclusion. This resource document discusses the context within which these principles were developed, lists the principles, and highlights the current state of practice and implementation considerations for each principle.

Additionally, this document provides a synopsis of ongoing efforts by federal agencies to address national concerns about using restraint and seclusion in schools. Two attachments at the end of this document provide information about state policies on the use of restraint and seclusion in our nation’s public schools and an annotated resource guide on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.