- (1) Mechanical restraints may only be applied to youth if staff determine that they are the least restrictive means of addressing an imminent threat of physical harm to themselves or others, or damage to property.
- (2) Mechanical restraints must be removed immediately upon the youth regaining composure and when the threat of harm or the safety concern has abated.
- (3) Mechanical restraints may never be used as punishment.
- (4) When a youth is mechanically restrained for non-routine purposes, the incident reporting procedure outlined in s. DOC 346.41 (2) shall apply. Documentation shall include the reason for use, duration of use, corresponding continuous personal observation and wellness checks required under s. DOC 346.39 (1) (c) and (2).
- (5) A staff person shall be assigned to monitor a youth who is placed in mechanical restraints and shall remain in continuous auditory and visual contact with the youth.
- (6) Observations of the youth’s behavior and any staff interventions shall be documented at least once every 15 minutes, with the actual time of the observation or intervention recorded.
History
History: CR 24-065: cr. Register July 2025 No. 835, eff. 8-1-25; correction in (4) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register July 2025 No. 835.