Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Corrections
Chapter DOC 347 - SECURED RESIDENTIAL CARE CENTERS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Subchapter IX - Safety and Security
Section DOC 347.51 - Use of mechanical restraints

(1) Youth may never be restrained to a fixed object, unless specifically ordered by a qualified mental health professional to attempt to prevent active self-harm.

(2) Mechanical restraints may only be applied to youth if staff determine that they are the least restrictive means of addressing an imminent threat of physical harm to self or others or damage to property.

(3) Mechanical restraints must be removed immediately upon the youth regaining composure and when the threat of harm or the safety concern has abated.

(4) Mechanical restraints may never be used as punishment.

(5) A youth may be placed in the least restrictive mechanical restraints when leaving the secure perimeter of the facility to prevent harm to youth or staff.

(6) Except under circumstances described in sub. (5), the incident reporting procedure outlined in s. DOC 347.50(2) shall apply if a youth is mechanically restrained.

(7) A staff person shall be assigned to monitor a youth who is placed in mechanical restraints and shall remain in continuous auditory and visual contact with the youth. Observations of the youth's behavior and any staff interventions shall be documented at least once every 15 minutes, with the actual time of the observation or intervention recorded.