Purpose and Scope

109 CMR 5.00 establishes the rules and procedures for involuntary room confinement of youth detained by or committed to the Department of Youth Services, while placed at hardware secure programs. (1) Youth may be kept involuntarily in a room during non-sleep hours for the following reasons: (a) to calm a youth who is exhibiting seriously disruptive or dangerous behavior; (b) for population management; (c) for the safety and security of a youth; and (d) for the investigation of an incident. (2) Involuntary room confinement to calm a youth who is exhibiting seriously disruptive or dangerous behavior or for the safety and security of a youth may only be used when less restrictive interventions have failed and for the least amount of time required for the youth to regain self-control. (3) Involuntary room confinement shall never be used as a sanction for non-compliance or punishment. (4) Involuntary room confinement for population management or for the investigation of an incident may only be used when less restrictive alternatives are not available and only for the amount of time reasonably necessary to resolve the population issue or investigation. (5) Involuntary room confinement shall not be used with any youth who is on any suicide watch status. (6) DYS shall have a policy detailing the use of involuntary room confinement. This policy shall be approved by the Commissioner and shall be reviewed by the Department annually in light of best practices.