Sec.17a-16-11. Use of seclusion

(a) A child or youth may be placed in seclusion in an area designated by the head of the institution or facility, for a period not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours under one or more of the following circumstances:

(1) there is reasonable cause to believe that the child or youth may inflict physical injury on another person;

(2) to prevent the child or youth from inflicting property damage;

(3) the child or youth is engaging in uncontrollable disruptive behavior.

(b) The staff member who authorized the use of seclusion shall file a written report with the head of the institution or facility setting forth the circumstances of the action and the reason for the use of seclusion.

(c) If use of seclusion in excess of twenty-four (24) hours is necessary, authorization must be obtained from the head of the institution or facility, or his designee. Such authorization shall be noted in writing with the reason(s) therefore, signed by the head of the institution or facility, and made a part of the child's or youth's permanent clinical record.

(d) In all cases involving the use of seclusion, staff members must visually check on the child's or youth's well-being at least once every thirty (30) minutes. Staff shall also notify appropriate clinical/medical personnel of any special concern about the child or youth.

(e) All seclusion areas shall be provided with normal furnishings, e.g. bed, chair, etc., unless there is reasonable cause to believe that such items may be used by the child or youth to harm himself or others. Such areas will be provided with adequate heat, lighting and ventilation, and shall have a floor area of at least 40 square feet. Provided, however, that areas used for seclusion for less than two consecutive hours may have a floor area of not less than 30 square feet if institutional policy promulgated under Sec. 17a-16-13 so provides.

(Effective February 1, 1994)