Considerations for Behavior Analysts

Behavior analysts who are looking for opportunities to get involved in their state’s restraint and seclusion policy have a variety of avenues to consider, including, but not limited to, advocating for legislation that prioritizes positive behavioral interventions & supports (PBIS), providing expert testimony on the use of restraint and seclusion, collaborating with policymakers to develop evidence-based guidelines, educating stakeholders about the harms of excessive restraint and seclusion, and actively participating in relevant committees and work groups – ensuring that any restraint or seclusion policies are aligned with ethical and best practices in behavior analysis. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key ways to engage: [1, 2, 3]

Behavior analysts can lobby at the state level, collaborate with other stakeholders on policy development, and educate relevant stakeholders on ethical and best practices for restraint & seclusion.

• Legislative Advocacy: [1, 2, 3]
  • Lobby state legislators to support bills that promote the use of positive behavioral interventions and limit the use of restraint and seclusion as a primary behavior management strategy. [1, 2, 3]
  • Work with advocacy organizations focused on disability rights to push for policy changes. [4, 6]
  • Provide testimony at legislative hearings to share evidence-based research on the negative impacts of restraint and seclusion. [1, 2, 4]
• Policy Development: [1, 2, 4]
  • Collaborate with state agencies responsible for regulating restraint and seclusion practices to develop evidence-based guidelines. [1, 2, 4]
  • Offer expertise in crafting clear definitions, criteria for when restraint or seclusion can be used, and procedures for implementation and monitoring. [1, 2, 5]
  • Advocate for mandatory training for all staff who may use restraint or seclusion, ensuring it focuses on de-escalation techniques and positive behavior interventions, and results in certification in the use of these procedures. [4, 5, 7]
• Education and Awareness: [3, 4, 7]
  • Present workshops and training sessions for educators, healthcare professionals, and other relevant stakeholders about the importance of reducing the use of restraint and seclusion. [3, 4, 7]
  • Share research findings on effective alternatives to restraint and seclusion, highlighting the potential for harm and side effects associated with their use. [1, 2, 7]
  • Collaborate with professional organizations to develop best practices and disseminate information related to restraint and seclusion. [1, 2, 5]
• Data Collection and Analysis: [1, 2, 4]
  • Monitor data on restraint and seclusion usage within their practice setting and across the state to identify trends and recommend areas for improvement. [1, 2, 4]
  • Conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions and strategies for reducing restraint and seclusion needs. [1, 2, 5]

Important Considerations: [1, 5]

When becoming involved in policy it is important for behavior analysts to prioritize:

• Ethical Guidelines: Always ensure that any policy advocacy aligns with the ethical principles of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) regarding the use of restraint and seclusion. [1, 5]
• Collaboration: Partner with other professionals, including special education advocates, disability rights organizations, and mental health providers to maximize impact. [4, 6]
• Individualized Approach: Recognize that each situation may require unique strategies and interventions, and advocate for a customized approach to managing challenging behaviors. [1, 2, 5]

Resources

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3089400/

[2] https://www.apna.org/standards-of-practice-seclusion-and-restraint/

[3] https://www.rethinked.com/resources/changing-the-seclusion-and-restraint-culture-in-schools/

[4] https://disabilityrightstx.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DRTx-Restraint-Report-FINAL-Dec-7-2020-2.pdf

[5] https://www.abainternational.org/about-us/policies-and-positions/restraint-and-seclusion,-2010.aspx

[6] https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/discipline-compendium?state=california&sub_category=Restraint+and+Seclusion

[7] https://debh.exceptionalchildren.org/position-papers-monographs/physical-restraint-seclusion-procedures-school-settings