The N.H. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently issued a notice recommending that facilities used for the placement, custody, or treatment of children stop using prone restraint. The term “prone restraint” refers to when a child is held in a face-down position on the floor, bed, or other surface.
As DHHS explained in its notice, prone restraint may impair normal breathing and/or circulation, particularly if a child is agitated, on certain medications or has a medical condition that may be exacerbated by the prone position.
Read the full DHHS recommendation on prone restraint
We are pleased with DHHS’ decision to recommend against the use of prone restraints given the significant risks such a restraint method poses to the health and safety of children. If you are aware of any facility still using prone restraint or of any injuries children have sustained as a result of the use of prone restraint, we would like to hear from you. You can contact DRC-NH by calling 603-228-0432 or sending us an email at mail@drcnh.org.
