Restraint and Seclusion Laws in Wyoming
What are the restraint and seclusion rules in Wyoming?
Wyoming has state-level regulations governing the use of physical restraint and seclusion in public schools. Wyoming's guidelines are found in Wyoming Department of Education policies and WY Rules Ch. 7, which incorporate crisis intervention standards. Wyoming school districts are required to develop and implement policies on the use of physical restraint and seclusion that prioritize prevention and positive behavioral supports. Physical restraint may only be used when a student presents an imminent danger of serious bodily harm to themselves or others, and less restrictive measures have been tried or would be ineffective. Seclusion may not be used as punishment or for staff convenience. Wyoming requires parental notification after a restraint or seclusion incident. Repeated use of restraint or seclusion must trigger an IEP review to address the underlying behavioral needs through a functional behavioral assessment and behavioral intervention plan.
What Wyoming Requires
Physical restraint may be used only when a student poses an imminent danger of serious bodily harm to themselves or others and less restrictive alternatives have been tried or are clearly inadequate (WY Rules Ch. 7; WDE Restraint/Seclusion Policy).
Seclusion is prohibited as punishment, for staff convenience, or in any manner that presents danger of physical harm, psychological harm, or denial of basic needs (WDE Policy on Restraint and Seclusion).
Wyoming school districts must have written policies on restraint and seclusion consistent with WDE guidelines, and must train staff on prevention, de-escalation, and permitted intervention techniques (WDE Policy on Restraint and Seclusion).
Parents must be notified of any restraint or seclusion incident; Wyoming requires notification on the same day or as soon as practicable following the incident (WDE Restraint/Seclusion Notification Policy).
Repeated use of restraint or seclusion with a student must trigger an IEP team review to address behavioral needs through an FBA and BIP (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(c); WDE Policy).
Schools may not use prone (face-down) restraint or any technique that restricts breathing or blood flow to the brain (WDE Policy on Restraint and Seclusion).
Key Timelines
Same day or as soon as practicable: parents must be notified after a restraint or seclusion incident (WDE Restraint/Seclusion Notification Policy).
An IEP review must be triggered promptly when restraint or seclusion is used repeatedly with a student (WY Rules Ch. 7 § 7(c)).
Written incident documentation must be maintained for each restraint or seclusion incident and made available to parents upon request (WDE Policy).