In order to maintain the safety of our students, violence and other unsafe behaviors will not be tolerated at Housatonic Academy. When a student’s behavior is dangerous to him/herself or others, a restraint may be used to maintain the safety of all students and staff members. A restraint is only used when there is immediate danger and all other less restrictive interventions have not been successful. A restraint is discontinued as soon as it is safe to do so, as determined by the student’s behavior and his/her willingness to exercise self-control.

Our policies and procedures are consistent with or exceed all associated regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), as well as associated standards promulgated by the Joint Commission. All staff who engage in any type of physical intervention will be fully trained in proper techniques and will do all they can to use a restraint as a means of last resort as necessary to maintain safety in the presence of danger to self and/or others. There will be appropriate documentation for every physical intervention that is conducted at Housatonic Academy.  The parents/guardian of any Massachusetts student who requires the use of physical restraint will be verbally notified by a school personnel and will also receive written documentation of the restraint within three working-school days.  Parents are encouraged to share concerns regarding the restraint with the school clinician or administrator.