HB 16-1328 Summary

• Amends the "Protection of Individuals from Restraint and Seclusion Act" to expand definitions and prohibit use of restraint and seclusion as punishment, discipline, retaliation, or as part of treatment plans.

• Establishes specific restrictions on seclusion by the Division of Youth Corrections: youth cannot be held in seclusion beyond 4 consecutive hours without qualified mental health professional assessment and director approval, and maximum 8 total hours in 2 consecutive calendar days without a written court order.

• Requires safety checks at least every 15 minutes during seclusion, facility director notification within one hour and every hour thereafter, and parental notification within 12 hours.

• Mandates comprehensive staff training for Division of Youth Corrections personnel on health effects of restraint/seclusion, de-escalation techniques, positive reinforcement methods, and trauma-informed care for youth with mental illness or developmental disabilities.

• Creates a Youth Seclusion Working Group within the Division of Youth Corrections to advise on policies and alternatives to seclusion, with membership including state directors, nonprofit advocates, and independent experts; appropriates $4,900 for implementation.