ARM 37.97.170. YOUTH CARE FACILITIES (YCF): TIME-OUT

(1) A YCF must develop a written time-out policy and procedures which clearly provide: (a) length of time the youth may remain in time-out which must be age appropriate; (b) guidelines for staff observation of the youth when in time-out; (c) documentation required for each time-out that is directed by staff; (d) purpose of time-out; and (e) staff training pertaining to the use of time-out. (2) Staff may direct a youth to time-out when a youth's behavior is disruptive to the youth's ability to learn, to participate appropriately, or to function appropriately with other youth or the activity, and when other de-escalation techniques have failed. Restraint, seclusion, or confinement may not be used as part of time-out procedures. (3) Time-out may not be used as punishment. (4) Youth placed in time-out must be reintroduced to the group in a sensitive and nonpunitive manner as soon as control is regained.