Glossary

NJ - The use of a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move all or a portion of his or her body.

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US DOE - A personal restriction, imposed by a school staff member or other individual, that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move their torso, arms, legs, or head freely. The term physical restraint does not include a physical escort. Encouraging, inducing, or forcing a student to walk to a safe location in a way that involves methods utilized to maintain physical control of a student should be considered a physical restraint.

US DOE - The use of any device or equipment to restrict a student’s freedom of movement. The term includes the use of handcuffs or similar devices by law enforcement officers or other school security to prevent a student from moving the student’s arms or legs. The term does not include devices used by trained school personnel or a student that have been prescribed by an appropriate medical or related services professional and are used for the specific and approved purposes for which such devices were designed, such as:

- Adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to achieve proper body position, balance, or alignment to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without the use of such devices or mechanical supports;

- Vehicle safety restraints when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle 

- Restraints for medical immobilization 

- Orthopedically prescribed devices that permit a student to participate in activities without risk of harm

NJ - The involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving, but does not include a timeout.

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US DOE - The involuntary confinement of a student in a room or area, with or without adult supervision, from which the student is not permitted to leave. Students who believe or are told by a school staff member that they are not able to leave a room or area, should be considered secluded. The term does not include: a classroom environment where, as a general rule, all students need permission to leave the room or area such as to use the restroom; a behavior management technique that is part of an approved program, which involves the monitored separation of a student in an unlocked setting, from which the student is allowed to leave; or placing a student in a separate location within a classroom with others or with an instructor, so long as the student has the same opportunity to receive and engage in instruction.

NJ - A behavior management technique that involves the monitored separation of a student in a non-locked setting, and is implemented for the purpose of calming.