Seclusion in Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Programs (SIPP) for Children under 18

In Florida, an individual who has a mental health illness and is in a Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program (SIPP) can only be secluded to control behaviors that create an emergency or crisis situation. Seclusion is enforced isolation or confinement of a person in a room or area away from other people. Seclusion, however, does not mean “time out”, “time out from positive reinforcement”, or “isolation for medical reasons”.

Each facility or provider must have policies and procedures related to the use of seclusion.

Every effort should be made to avoid unnecessary use of seclusion, therefore, staff should try to redirect and diffuse the situation before engaging in seclusion.

Complaints

Every facility or program should have a complaint process in place to investigate complaints made by a youth in the facility or by a parent, guardian, family member, friend or other interested individual. Sometimes this is called a “grievance” or “complaint” process. If you believe that a person has been unjustly restrained, or secluded in a manner that violated the person’s rights you may also contact:

  • Florida Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873, or
  • Disability Rights Florida 1-800-342-0823