Restraint/Seclusion Reduction Initiative (RSRI)

In November 2000, the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH), through its Licensing and Child/Adolescent Services Divisions, embarked on a mission to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of restraint and seclusion in all child and adolescent inpatient and intensive residential treatment facilities in the state. Between November 2000 and January 2005, episodes of restraint and seclusion (per 1,000 patient days) decreased 84.4%, 80.4% and 78.7%, respectively, in child (ages 5-12), adolescent and mixed child/adolescent units. This work is ongoing.

In the fall of 2004, Massachusetts DMH was one of eight states selected by SAMHSA to receive a State Infrastructure Grant (SIG) to develop alternatives to restraint and seclusion in DMH-operated and contracted adult inpatient facilities, which also include three adolescent inpatient units. DMH kicked off this new initiative to reduce/eliminate restraint and seclusion in DMH facilities in July 2005.

Please visit the Department of Mental Health Restraint/Seclusion Initiative at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/restraintseclusion-reduction-initiative-rsri to access some of the tools that have been used to provide technical assistance and consultation to the units/facilities and some other, associated statistics. Other information will be added to the site from time to time.