37.99.171    PRIVATE ALTERNATIVE ADOLESCENT RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS: TIME-OUT

(1) A program must develop a written time-out policy and procedures which clearly provide:

(a) length of time the program participant may remain in time-out which must be age appropriate;

(b) guidelines for staff observation of the program participant 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 program participant to time-out when the behavior is disruptive to the program participant's ability to learn, to participate appropriately, or to function appropriately with other participants and the activity, and when the 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) Program participants placed in time-out must be reintroduced to the group in a sensitive and nonpunitive manner as soon as control is regained.

 

History: 52-2-803, 52-2-805, MCA; IMP, 52-2-803, 52-2-805, 52-2-809, MCA; NEW, 2019 MAR p. 2029, Eff. 11/9/19.