Resources

Definition of Restraint and Isolation 

Restraint is physical intervention or force used to restrict a student’s movement. There are physical restraint (restraint holds), mechanical restraint (devices such as handcuffs), and chemical (medication-based) restraints.  

Isolation means restricting a student, alone within a room or any other form of enclosure, from which the student may not leave. It does not include voluntary use of a calming space or temporary removal to an unblocked area.  

Source: RCW 28A.600.485

2024-2025 OSPI’s Reducing Restraint and Eliminating Isolation Project

Currently 22 school districts are learning to embed school and district systems with tools and approaches to prevent restraint and eliminate isolation. More information can be found here:  

Reducing Restraint and Eliminating Isolation Project (RREI)  

OSPI Restraint and Isolation Page (includes data link)  

UW Haring Center RREI Demonstration Sites  

Haring Center Demonstration Site Visit Request Form  

2023 DRW and OSPI Release Report Findings

 Coming Into the Light: An Examination of Restraint and Isolation Practices in Washington Schools

• eliminate isolation,  
• eliminate mechanical and chemical restraint, 
• build proactive mental health and trauma-informed behavior supports for students, 
•  increase educator training for de-escalation /tier 1 supports /alternatives to restraint isolation, and  
• improve data collection to reduce use and address disparity. 

REPORT –  Coming Into the Light: An Examination of Restraint and Isolation Practices in Washington Schools

2025 U.S. Department of Education Weighs In  

On January 8, 2025 the U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, sent this letter encouraging elimination of school-based isolation (seclusion) and reduction of restraint. See more U.S. Department of Education resources here:  

Secretary’s letter on Restraint and Seclusion  

U.S. ED: Seclusions and Restraint Statutes, Regulations, Policies  

U.S. ED: Restraint and Seclusion: Resource Document  

U.S. ED: Students with Disabilities and the Use of Restraint  

2023-2024 Development and Legislation

Using report findings, legislators, OSPI and DRW crafted policy to implement report recommendations. House Bill 1479 was introduced at the request of OSPI in 2023, and again in 2024. The bill died both years in the Senate. A legislative budget proviso in 2024 funded OSPI to support and fund committed school districts to eliminate isolation and reduce restraint.  

2018 DRW Begins Monitoring 

DRW began monitoring schools’ use of restraint and isolation in 2018.  

  

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