Ind. Admin. Code tit. 465, r. 2-11-58 – Confinement rooms

Sec. 58. (a) Prior to the establishment of a confinement room, the institution shall have written approval from the SDPW.

(b) A confinement room shall be used only when a child is in danger of harming himself or herself or others and has not responded to any other treatment approaches.

(c) A confinement room shall be used for treatment purposes only, not as a disciplinary measure nor as a substitute for supervision.

(d) The institution shall have and use written policies for the use of a locked confinement room. The policies shall include the following:

(1) Definition of the circumstances which justify the use of confinement.
(2) A maximum time period for each episode of confinement not to exceed one (1) hour unless extended as provided for in subsection (f).
(3) Record keeping of each confinement episode as noted in subsection (i).
(4) Clear designation of persons who have authority to approve or extend the confinement period.
(5) Directions for removal of all dangerous items from the child such as belts, shoelaces, jewelry, items in pockets, matches, and any other items which represent a potential hazard during confinement.

(e) Written policies for the use of confinement shall be distributed to staff, and there shall be documented orientation provided to staff in the policies and use of confinement.

(f) One (1) hour shall be the maximum period for confinement unless extensions are approved by the administrator, the program director, or by two (2) other professional staff members who are authorized to supervise the confinement policy and who do so in consultation with the treatment team. If confinement is needed after forty-eight (48) hours, an alternative treatment plan must be developed.

(g) An awake staff member in the immediate vicinity of the confinement room shall supervise the child at all times and shall make a visual check of the child at least every five (5) minutes.

(h) A review of the use of confinement shall be made quarterly by the administrator or the program director to analyze the therapeutic value of each confinement episode, safety considerations, appropriate utilization of confinement, and adherence to the general policy of confinement as established under subsection (d).

(i) An entry shall be made in a log or record book of each confinement episode. Recording shall include the following information:

(1) The circumstances leading to confinement.
(2) The period of time a child was confined.
(3) The time of the visual checks.
(4) Behavioral observations of the child.
(5) Specific notation of any extension of confinement including reasons for the extension and by whom approval for extension was given.

(j) Notation of each confinement shall be placed in the individual case record of the child.

(k) Confinement rooms shall be constructed and maintained in the following manner:

(1) In compliance with Group I, Division 3 occupancy under 675 IAC 13, the Indiana Building Code.
(2) Equipped and sized for therapeutic use with at least thirty-six (36) feet of floor space and eight (8) feet high ceilings.
(3) All doors, ceilings, and walls are constructed of such strength and material that no harm can come to the occupant.
(4) All switches controlling lights, ventilation, or other mechanical systems are on the outside of the room.
(5) No functional electrical outlets are located in the room.
(6) A window is provided to allow for a visual check of the child without entering the room.
(7) Windows are secured and protected so as to prevent harm to the occupant.
(8) Ceiling lights are provided, protected, and recessed.
(9) The room is heated, cooled, and ventilated as required under 675 IAC.
(10) A smoke detector is located in a position adequate to detect any smoke or fume hazard to the person confined.

(Department of Child Services; 465 IAC 2-11-58; filed Jun 27, 1991, 12:00 p.m.: 14 IR 2013; readopted filed Jul 12, 2001, 1:40 p.m.: 24 IR 4235; readopted filed Nov 27, 2007, 6:52 a.m.: 20071226-IR-465070551RFA; readopted filed Nov 26, 2013, 4:02 p.m.: 20131225-IR-465130459RFA; readopted filed Oct 10, 2019, 10:42 a.m.: 20191106-IR-465190320RFA; readopted filed Oct 15, 2025, 10:46 a.m.: 20251112-IR-465250623RFA) NOTE: Transferred from the Division of Family Resources (470 IAC 3-13-58) to the Department of Child Services (465 IAC 2-11-58) by P.L.234-2005, SECTION 195, effective July 1, 2005.