What is the minimum distance that must be maintained away from the youth during monitoring?

Maintaining a distance of 9 feet (or 3 steps) away from a youth during monitoring is important for several reasons, particularly in contexts that involve mechanical restraints, Aikido, and accountability practices. This distance allows for a safe space that minimizes the risk of physical escalation or confrontation, providing both the staff and the youth with a buffer zone. It ensures that staff can observe and react to any situation without being too close, which might trigger a defensive or aggressive response from the youth.

In contexts like these, adhering to a structured distance emphasizes both safety and control, allowing for effective monitoring while respecting the personal space of the individual being monitored. This approach aligns with de-escalation techniques in Aikido, which promotes awareness of personal boundaries and physical space to prevent conflicts. Maintaining this strategic distance is a foundational practice in ensuring a secure environment that prioritizes the wellbeing of all parties involved.