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Bill

H 30

An act relating to the use of seclusion and restraint on children and youth in the custody of the Department for Children and Families

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tiff Bluemle and 4 co-sponsors

H 30 tightens limits on seclusion and restraint for youth in state care, emphasizes de-escalation and trauma-informed care, and increases reporting and accountability.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 30

Summary of Bill H 30 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

  • H 30 aims to reform the use of seclusion and restraint on children and youth who are in the custody of the Department for Children and Families (DCF).
  • The bill seeks to limit or replace practices that involve seclusion or restraint, with the overarching goal of protecting the safety, rights, and well-being of young people in state care.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition/Restriction of Seclusion:
    • The bill establishes stricter standards governing when seclusion may be used on youth in DCF custody.
    • It likely narrows permissible circumstances, aiming to minimize or eliminate prolonged or inappropriate use of seclusion as a disciplinary or behavioral-management tool.
  • Use of Restraint:
    • The bill tightens guidelines for physical restraint, including conditions under which restraint can be employed, duration limits, and required monitoring.
  • Alternatives and De-escalation:
    • Emphasis on non-psychological, non-punitive alternatives to seclusion and restraint.
    • Requirement or encouragement for staff to use de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed approaches, and supportive interventions.
  • Oversight and Accountability:
    • Enhanced reporting requirements for incidents involving seclusion or restraint, including data collection, incident timelines, and public/legislative reporting.
    • Potential creation or empowerment of an oversight body or internal review processes within DCF to investigate and address misuse or harm.
  • Training and Qualifications:
    • Mandated training for staff and caregivers in safe crisis intervention, de-escalation, youth development, trauma-informed care, and recognition of vulnerable populations (e.g., youth with disabilities or mental health needs).
    • Accreditation or certification standards for individuals authorized to perform restraints, if restraints remain permissible in specific narrow circumstances.
  • Documentation and Data:
    • Clear record-keeping requirements for every incident involving seclusion or restraint, including duration, location, participants, purpose, and outcomes.
    • Data collection to monitor trends, identify high-risk settings, and inform policy adjustments.
  • Youth Rights and Safeguards:
    • Provisions to protect the rights and dignity of youth subjected to any restraint or isolation.
    • Procedures for appeals, complaints, or grievances related to seclusion/restraint practices.
  • Implementation Timeline:
    • The bill outlines a phased approach or implementation timeline, specifying effective dates for new standards, training, reporting, and any sunset or review provisions.

Who would be affected

  • Youth in the custody of the Department for Children and Families (DCF) under state care.
  • DCF staff, caseworkers, and supervisors responsible for overseeing youth in state custody.
  • Residential facilities, group homes, foster homes, and any placement settings contracted or supervised by DCF.
  • Training providers and professionals involved in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care within state care settings.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Initial action: Read first time and referral to the Committee on Human Services (as of 2025-01-14).
  • Next steps typically include committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Vermont General Assembly.
  • Implementation timelines would be defined in the bill, outlining dates by which training, reporting, and practice changes must be in place.
  • Possible tracking of progress through annual reports or public data releases.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Aimed at reducing the use of seclusion and restraint, which have been scrutinized for safety, psychological impact, and equity concerns.
  • Expected improvements in safety for youth and staff, with a shift toward trauma-informed, least-restrictive interventions.
  • Increased transparency and accountability for facilities and staff.
  • Possible short-term operational adjustments, including training costs, policy updates, and changes to incident response protocols.

Note: The above summary reflects the bill’s stated intent and common elements typically found in seclusion/restraint reform legislation. For precise language, definitions, specific prohibitions, exemptions, fiscal implications, and exact implementation dates, please refer to the official bill text and fiscal notes once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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