# COMAR Title 16 — Department of Juvenile Services

## Subtitle 18 — State Operated Residential Facilities

### Chapter 02 — Limits on Use of Restraints and Seclusion; Prohibition of Abuse

#### Regulation .03 Use of Locked Door Seclusion.

*COMAR 16.18.02.03*

A. A facility employee may not place a youth in locked door seclusion as punishment.

B. A facility employee may place a youth in locked door seclusion only:

  (1) When it is clearly necessary to protect the youth or other individuals or to prevent escape; and

  (2) After less restrictive methods have been tried or cannot reasonably be tried.

C. Time Limitations.

  (1) A youth may not remain in locked door seclusion more than 24 hours without the review and approval of the superintendent or the duty officer, who shall provide a written explanation for the decision. If one of these administrators was involved in the incident, the other one makes the determination.

  (2) After the decision has been made to keep a youth in locked door seclusion for more than 24 hours, the youth shall be seen by the superintendent or the duty officer at least once during each 12-hour period.

  (3) The maximum stay in seclusion as a result of a single incident may not exceed 72 hours, unless a declared written emergency is issued by the superintendent.

D. Release. A youth shall be released from locked door seclusion when the youth no longer fits the criteria for placement in locked door seclusion.