Physical Intervention & Restraint Policy

Policy Statement

POIETO INC has a strict no-restraint policy. No POIETO employee, teaching artist, contractor, or volunteer may physically restrain a program participant under any circumstances. This policy applies without exception at all program sites.

What Is Prohibited

The following actions are strictly prohibited at all POIETO program sites and activities:

• Physical restraint of any participant (holding, pinning, blocking exit)
• Any use of physical force to control a participant's movement
• Physical redirection that involves grabbing, gripping, or forcible contact
• Any form of seclusion (locking or isolating a participant in a room)
• Use of pain to gain compliance

What IS Permitted — De-escalation Only

Staff may use the following approaches:

• Use a calm, clear verbal request to redirect behavior
• Create physical space between participants by asking them to move
• Step in front of or between participants to create a barrier (without touching)
• Remove yourself and other participants from an escalating situation
• Call 911 if there is immediate physical danger

If a Participant Poses Immediate Physical Danger

Follow these steps in order:

1. Remove other participants from the space immediately
2. Call 911 — do not attempt to restrain
3. Notify Program Lead immediately by phone
4. Notify Designated Investigator (Ginny Song) same day — ginny@poieto.com · 310-560-4685
5. Complete Incident Report Form (Doc 03) same day
6. Document exactly what happened — your words and actions, not interpretation

Why This Policy Exists

Physical restraint causes physical and psychological harm, even when well-intentioned. It creates legal liability for POIETO and for the individual staff member. For youth who have experienced trauma, restraint can be re-traumatizing.

Violation

Any staff member who physically restrains a participant will be removed from participant contact immediately pending investigation, regardless of circumstances or intent. This is consistent with POIETO's zero-tolerance framework for participant harm.

Reporting

If you witness another staff member physically restraining a participant, report it to the Designated Investigator immediately.

You will not be retaliated against for reporting in good faith.