This is so interesting. I am a Resource Instructor at a nonpublic school in Maryland that regularly implements physical restraints as a means to preserve staff and student safety. In order for staff to utilize any physical intervention, he or she must first be trained in a crisis intervention technique titled "Therapeutic Options." In addition to the initial training, refreshers are conducted at least twice per school year or as needed.
Before restraints are implemented, however, there are several other interventions that are strongly encouraged. To name a few, they are: PBIS, Collaborative Problem-Solving, use of an exlusion/MSDR (Multi-Sensory De-escalation Room), seclusion, sensory and/or occupational therapyto alert or calm, psychiatric services, plans outlined in each students' behavioral intervention plan, etc.
I will be honest and admit that many of our restraints result from non-compliance, but not in the ways that many people state it. For instance, if a student is disruptive for an extended teacher, the classroom teacher, assistant, or School Counselor will re-direct and prompt students to listed one or more of some of the interventions listed above. However, after offered interventions have been utilized and/or misused (ie, a student is given a stress ball or other sensory item and throws it at student/staff), he or she is directed to the MSD Room. When the student refuses, staff often are required to escort him or her. Many students refuse, and push, kick, etc. That behavior can result in the implementation of a restraint. Some argue that that use of restraint is unnecessary, while some, particularly, those staff who endure the physical trauma, argue that the incident outlines imminent danger and/or grounds for the restraint.
As a result, our organization, which consists of three different sites, has several Worker's Comp claims filed during the year. However, at our site, the number of student injuries outside of a few rug burns, has been next to nothing in my time there.
So, my question is this: Can what can be done to reduce and/or elimintate the use of restraints but continue to preserve the acadmic climate of the classroom? I am very eager to read your input. Thank you.
