For a child over five years old, which behavior could justify a short personal restraint to prevent a safety risk?

• A. Disrobing in public
• B. Reading a book
• C. Eating lunch peacefully
• D. Sleeping

Answer: (A)

Restraint is used only to prevent imminent physical harm and must be the least restrictive option. When a child over five disrobes in public, there is an immediate safety risk to the child’s dignity and to others around them, and the situation could lead to harm if not quickly contained. Because of the urgent nature of the risk, a brief personal restraint could be considered to protect the child and others while staff redirect the child to a private, safe space and implement de-escalation or privacy measures. Afterward, documentation and follow-up to reduce future risk are essential.

The other behaviors do not pose an immediate safety threat: reading a book is calm and self-directed; eating lunch peacefully is routine and safe; sleeping is a normal rest state. These do not justify a restraint.