Policy 3246
Restraint, Isolation and Other Uses of Reasonable ForceIt is the policy of the La Center Board of Directors that the district maintains a safe learning environment while treating all students with dignity and respect. All students in the district, including those who have an individualized education program (IEP) or plan developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, will remain free from unreasonable restraint, restraint devices, isolation, and other uses of physical force. Under no circumstances will these techniques be used as a form of discipline or punishment.
This policy is intended to address district students. It is not intended to prevent or limit the use of restraint or other reasonable force as necessary with adults or other youth from outside the district as allowed by law.
Use of restraint, isolation, and other forms of reasonable force may be used on any student when reasonably necessary to control spontaneous behavior that poses an imminent likelihood of serious harm as defined by RCW 71.05.020 and Chapter 392-172A WAC and explained in the procedure accompanying this policy. Serious harm includes physical harm to oneself, another, or district property. Staff will closely monitor such actions to prevent harm to the student and will use the minimum amount of restraint and isolation appropriate to protect the safety of students and staff. The restraint, isolation, and other forms of reasonable force will be discontinued when the likelihood of serious harm has dissipated.
The superintendent or a designee will develop procedures to implement this policy, including review, reporting and parent/guardian notification of incidents involving restraint or isolation as required by law. Additionally, the superintendent will annually report to the board on incidents involving the use of force.
| Cross References: | 2161 – Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students |
| 2162 – Education of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 | |
| Legal References: | RCW 9A.16.020 Use of force — When lawful |
| RCW 9A.16.100 Use of force on children — Policy — Actions presumed unreasonable | |
| RCW 28A.150.300 Corporal Punishment Prohibited – Adoption of policy | |
| RCW 28A.155.210 Use of restraint or isolation — Requirement for procedures to notify parent or guardian – Additional procedures for compliance | |
| RCW 28A.600.485 – Restraint of students with individualized education programs or plans developed under section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973—Procedures—Summary of incidents of isolation or restraint—Publishing to web site | |
| RCW 71.05.020 Definitions | |
| Chapter 392-172A WAC – Provision of Special Education |
| Management Resources | 2024 – August Issue |
| 2021 – December Issue | |
| 2016 March Issue | |
| 2015 – July Policy Alert | |
| 2013 – December Issue | |
| 2013 – July Issue | |
| Policy News, December 2008 Use of Reasonable Force Policy |
La Center School District
Adoption Date: February 27, 2018; Revised March 28, 2023 Non-substantive updates (RCW’s) October 16, 2024