The Code of Virginia § 22.1-279.1:1 requires that the State Board of Education adopt regulations on the use of seclusion and restraint in Virginia primary and secondary schools. The “Regulations Governing the Use of Seclusion and Restraint” (8VAC20-750-5 et seq.):
- Define what constitutes seclusion and physical restraint, as well as mechanical restraints, pharmacological restraints, and aversive stimuli;
- Ban the use of mechanical restraints, pharmacological restraints, and aversive stimuli;
- Describe the conditions under which it is permissible for a student to be restrained or secluded;
- Provide for notification and reporting to parents, for debriefing with staff and the student following incidents, and for follow-up when a student has been restrained or secluded more than twice during the course of a school year;
- Provide for reporting to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE);
- Require local school divisions to adopt policies and procedures regarding the use of seclusion and restraint; and
- Require that all school personnel be trained in techniques for avoiding the use of seclusion and restraint and that school personnel who work with students who are likely to be restrained or secluded must receive additional training on safe methods for restraining or secluding a student.
PWCS Regulation 746-1 outlines the expectation for all school staff to complete training focused on positive behavior support, conflict prevention, de-escalation, and crisis response.