The DMH Child & Adolescent Restraint/Seclusion Prevention Initiative turns 10 in 2010

The Department's Child & Adolescent Restraint/Seclusion Prevention Initiative is a joint effort of the Department's Child/Adolescent Services and Licensing divisions with the goal of reducing and ultimately eliminating the use of restraint and seclusion in all child and adolescent inpatient and intensive residential treatment facilities in the state.  Since the initiative was launched in 2000, the use of mechanical restraints has decreased by a remarkable 91 percent; seclusion and restraint hours have decreased by 60 percent; and medication restraints have been reduced by 80 percent.

It all began in 1999 when then DMH Deputy Commissioner Paul Barreira, M.D.; Janice LeBel, Ph.D.; Nan Stromberg, MSN, APRN, BC; and former DMH Licensing Director Michael Weeks began a review of restraint and seclusion data from acute and continuing care providers and noticed the high use of these coercive practices in child and adolescent facilities.  Their work led to literature reviews, exploration of better practice programs across the country for reducing and preventing restraint and seclusion use and the development of ongoing trainings and support.

Since the Restraint and Seclusion Initiative was implemented, an annual Provider Forum on Child/Adolescent Restraint and Seclusion Prevention is held every May for acute and continuing care providers as well as interagency colleagues.  The much anticipated forum features a national or local keynote speaker who is well-versed in the prevention of restraint/seclusion and in trauma-informed care.  Past speakers have included nursing experts Wanda Mohr, Ph.D. and Kevin Ann Huckshorn, RN, MSN; consumer advocates Laura Prescott and Joel Slack; and most importantly, Massachusetts youth and family advocates.  In addition, the forum highlights the achievements and successes of providers and their efforts in providing trauma-sensitive and healing environments.

This year's forum will be held on May 6, National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, in Shrewsbury and will take a historical look at the national initiative and feature a presentation by David Altimari, one of the journalists of The Hartford Courant investigative team.  The Hartford Courant's series of articles on restraint and seclusion deaths resulted in a federal investigation through the U.S. General Accounting Office, Congressional hearings and ultimately the national initiative on restraint/seclusion prevention. The forum will also include provider presentations on their unique strategies and alternatives towards the goal of restraint and seclusion elimination. 

DMH Connections

A publication of the MDMH Office of Communications and Community Engagement, April, 2010