Poster #186 - Review of West Virginia's Foster Care Group Homes and Detention Center Policies on Restraint Use.

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

Youth detention centers and foster care group homes in West Virginia continue to face allegations of abuse and neglect, often tied to the use of restraints and isolation. These practices are supported by institutional policies and Cornell University’s Therapeutic Crisis Intervention program, which promotes physical methods to restrict movement during a crisis, ranging from a tantrum to physical altercations. In some cases, restraint is accompanied by isolation from peers and staff for up to two weeks. Despite the severity of these interventions, there is a lack of transparency in statewide reporting of restraint usage on a vulnerable population. This study reviewed West Virginia state policies and examined use in detention centers and foster care group homes to understand the conditions under which these methods are applied and their frequency of use. Findings indicate that restraint usage remains a widely promoted practice despite growing concern over its harmful effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression (Kutz 2009). Continued reliance on such methods may stem from a lack of resources and inadequate training in trauma-informed responses. Understanding the causes and contexts of restraint use can inform policy reform, foster supportive community responses, and address the unique needs of youth in West Virginia.

Authors

• Katrina Louise Hewitt, West Virginia University

• Elizabeth Moberly, West Virginia University

• Brandie Pugh, West Virginia University