What occurs once therapeutic restraints are authorized for a youth?

Once therapeutic restraints are authorized for a youth, the designation of the youth as a patient is significant as it indicates a transition into a care-focused environment, where the emphasis is on their mental and emotional well-being. This status as a patient means the youth is under professional supervision and can receive appropriate interventions tailored to their needs.

In this context, the term "patient" encompasses both the physical and psychological components of care, recognizing that the application of restraints is often part of a broader therapeutic process intended to provide safety and support for youth experiencing distress or behavioral challenges. This process is typically part of a structured approach where the focus is on stabilization and treatment rather than punitive measures.

The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of ordering therapeutic restraints. While custody might imply legal intervention and oversight, it does not capture the essence of therapeutic care. Immediate release contradicts the purpose of restraints, which is to manage and protect the youth rather than abandon the situation. Lastly, the need for psychological evaluation, while often appropriate in broader treatment scenarios, is not automatically a direct consequence of the authorization of restraints. Instead, the focus is on immediate safety and care. This distinction underscores the specific intent behind the therapeutic use of restraints in the context of mental health support.