9 CAR § 100-302. Use of force — Policy

(a)(1) An employee shall: (A) Attempt to verbally de-escalate a youth prior to engaging in the use of physical intervention; and (B)(i) Use physical intervention only when necessary to control the escalated behavior in order to provide a safe and secure environment for: (a) The youth; (b) Other persons; (c) The juvenile facility; (d) State property; and (e) The community. (ii) Physical intervention with the use of force shall be used only as temporary control measures and only when necessary. (iii) Physical intervention is not intended to and shall never be used as a means for punishment. (iv) The physical intervention program utilized by Division of Youth Services is a nationally accredited methodology. (2) Violations of this policy can result in disciplinary action, including termination. (b)(1) If a staff member observes a use of force in violation of this policy, the staff member shall protect the youth from harm. (2) As a mandated reporter, all employees and contractors of the division shall report any violations of this policy to the Child Abuse Hotline. (3) Division employees will follow procedure and also notify their immediate supervisors, facility administration, and the division Internal Affairs Investigator. (c)(1) Nonphysical intervention is necessary to control a youth's behavior by verbal commands directing a youth to immediately stop the inappropriate behavior or to comply with lawful instructions. (2) Alternatives to force must be used whenever practical to assist a youth in maintaining or regaining self-control. (3) All employees are prohibited from using humiliating punishment, including verbal harassment, to manage youth behavior.