3246 - Restraint, Isolation, and Other Uses of Reasonable Force

It is the policy of the South Kitsap School District that the district maintains a safe learning environment while treating all students with dignity and respect. All students in the district, including those who have an individualized education program (IEP) or plan developed under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, will remain free from unreasonable restraint, restraint devices, isolation, and other uses of physical force. Under no circumstances will these techniques be used as a form of discipline or punishment.

This policy is intended to address district students. It is not intended to prevent or limit the
use of restraint or other reasonable force as necessary with adults or other youth from outside the district as allowed by law. 

Use of restraint, isolation, and other forms of reasonable force may be used on any student when reasonably necessary to control spontaneous behavior that poses an imminent likelihood of
serious harm as defined by RCW 71.05.020 and Chapter 392-172A WAC and explained in the procedure accompanying this policy. Serious harm includes physical harm to self, another, or district property. Staff will closely monitor such actions to prevent harm to the student and will use the minimum amount of restraint and isolation appropriate to protect the safety of students and staff. The restraint, isolation, and other forms of reasonable force will be discontinued when the likelihood of serious harm has dissipated.

The superintendent or designee will develop procedures to implement this policy, including
review, reporting and parent/guardian notification of incidents involving restraint or isolation as required by law.

Cross References:

District Policy 2161 - Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

District Policy 2162 - Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Legal References: 

RCW 9A.16.020	Use of force – When lawful
RCW 9A.16.100	Use of force on children – Policy – Actions presumed unreasonable
RCW 28A.150.300	Corporal Punishment Prohibited – Adoption of policy
RCW 28A.155.210	Use of restraints or isolation - Requirement for procedures to notify parent or guardian
RCW 28A.600.485	Restraint of students with individualized     education programs or plans developed under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973 – Procedures – Definitions. [as amended by SHB 1240]
Chapter 392-172A WAC	Rules for the provision of special education
RCW 71.05.020	Definitions

Management Resources:

2024 – July Issue

2021 – December Issue

2016 – March Issue

2015 – July Policy Alert

2013 – December Issue

2013 – July Issue

Policy News, December 2008 Use of Reasonable Force Policy

 

Adoption Date:  January 15, 2014

Revised:  January 6, 2016; January 5, 2022; December 5, 2024

 

Administrator Responsibilities: