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.

History: 52-2-111, 52-2-603, 52-2-622, MCA; IMP, 52-2-113, 52-2-603, 52-2-622, MCA; NEW, 2011 MAR p. 387, Eff. 3/25/11.