Rule 5:19-4. Use of Restraints on a Juvenile

Rule 5:19-4. Use of Restraints on a Juvenile

(a) Instruments of restraint, such as handcuffs, chains, irons, or
straitjackets, cloth and leather restraints, and other similar items, shall not be used
on a juvenile during a court proceeding and must be removed prior to the juvenile's
entry into the courtroom. Instruments of restraint may be used if, on application to or
by the court, the court finds that:

(1) The use of restraints is necessary due to one of the following
factors:

(A) Instruments of restraint are necessary to prevent physical harm to
the juvenile or another person; or

(B) The juvenile presents a substantial risk of flight from the
courtroom; and

(2) There are no less restrictive alternatives to restraints that will
prevent flight or physical harm to the juvenile or another person, including, but not
limited to, the presence of court personnel, law enforcement officers, or bailiffs.

(b) In making the determination that instruments of restraint are necessary,
the factors that can be considered are:

(1) any past escapes or attempted escapes by the juvenile;

(2) evidence of a present plan of escape involving the juvenile;

(3) any credible threats by the juvenile to harm him or herself or others
during court;

(4) evidence of self-injurious behavior on the part of the juvenile;

(5) any recent history of disruptive courtroom behavior that has placed
others in potentially harmful situations or presents a substantial risk of inflicting
physical harm on the juvenile or others;

(6) any other factors the court deems relevant to assess present risk
in the court proceeding.

(c) The court shall provide the juvenile’s attorney and the prosecutor an
opportunity to be heard before the court orders the use of restraints. If restraints are
ordered, the court shall make findings of fact on the record in support of the order.

(d) If restraints are deemed necessary, the least restrictive restraints shall
be used. Any restraints shall allow the juvenile limited movement of the hands to
read and handle documents and writings necessary to the hearing. Under no
circumstances should a juvenile be restrained to a stationary object or another
person.

Note: Adopted November 1, 2016 to be effective January 1, 2017.