The METO Settlement

Pamela Hoopes: One of the key problems that the Settlement Agreement aims to resolve was the abusive overuse of mechanical and other restraints, as well as, to a lesser degree, seclusion; and the requirement of behavioral supports and positive intervention training is really aimed to reduce and eliminate the use of those restraints in METO and throughout the state system.

The Injunctive Relief also specifically forbids the use of mechanical and other restraints except for in emergency settings and sets up quite an elaborate system of reporting and permission before restraints can be used even in emergency settings. This is an absolutely critical feature of the Injunctive Relief, and it really is a landmark change in how the state is going to, going forward, work with people with really challenging behaviors.