Code of Massachusetts Regulations
109 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES
Title 109 CMR 5.00 - INVOLUNTARY ROOM CONFINEMENT OF YOUTH DETAINED BY OR COMMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES
Section 5.01 - Purpose and Scope

Universal Citation: 109 MA Code of Regs 109.5

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

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.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Massachusetts may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.