My State Restraint Seclusion Laws

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MYSTATESSECLUSION&RESTRAINTLAWS

BRIEF

SUMMARIES

OF

STATE

SECLUSION

AND

RESTRAINT

LAWS

AND

POLICIES

Author:JessicaButler

[email protected]

August4,2013(containsstatelawsandpoliciesineffectasofJuly1,2013)

CopyrightJessicaButler2013(allrightsreserved)

Thisshortsummaryisbasedonmyreport,HOWSAFEISTHESCHOOLHOUSE?ANANALYSISOFSTATE

SECLUSIONANDRESTRAINTLAWSANDPOLICIES.Thisreportcontainsshortsummariesofeachstates

restraintandseclusionlawsandpolicies.PleaserefertoHOWSAFEISTHESCHOOLHOUSE?

(HTTP://WWW.AUTCOM.ORG/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDF)formoredetailedinformation,analyses

andcomparisonsofstatelaws,andillustrativemapsandcharts.

Thisreportisdesignedtobesharedwithothers.Pleasefeelfreetoshare,post,andredistributethis

reportaslongasyoufollowthecopyrightconditionsonpageii.Youcanalwayspostorshare/distribute

theentirePDF.Pleaseemailmeifyouhaveanyquestionsoryourpublicationhasparticularneeds.My

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l l b

ImportantIntroductoryInformation

AbouttheReport.Thisreport,MYSTATESSECLUSION&RESTRAINTLAWS,containsbriefsummariesofeach

statesrestraintandseclusionlawsandpoliciesforschool.Thereportsprimarypurposeisto

enablepeopleinastatetolearntheirstaterules.Youmayfindmoredetailedinformation,

includingcomparisonsandanalysesofstatepractices,andillustrativemapsandcomparison

chartsforallstates,inHowSAFEISTHESCHOOLHOUSE?ANANALYSISOFSTATERESTRAINTANDSECLUSION

LAWS

,availableatwww.autcom.org.

ImportantTechnicalDetails(Readthis!).(1)Iuse51statestoincludetheDistrictof

Columbia.Ididnothaveterritorialmaterials.(2)Forbrevity,thetermlawsreferstostatutes,

regulations,andexecutiveordersthatarelegallybinding.Thisdistinguishesthemfrom

nonbindingguidelinesandpolicies.(3)Allinformationinthemapsandchartsisalsointhetext

tomaximizeaccessbypeopleofallabilities;someneedtext,someneedvisuals.Thereisno

fundingunderwritingthiswork,sotechnologywaslimited.(4)Housebillreferstothe

KeepingAllStudentsSafeActbillthatwasintroducedbyRepresentativeGeorgeMillerin2009,

2011,and

2013

(H.R.

1893

in

2013);

Senate

bill,

refers

to

that

introduced

by

Senator

Harkin

in

2011.

AbouttheAuthor.Jessicaisthemotherofachildwithautismandanattorney.Shehasserved

astheCongressionalAffairsCoordinatorfortheAutismNationalCommittee(www.autcom.org).

AutComhasworkedforover20yearstoeradicatetheuseofabusiveinterventionsuponpeople

withautismandotherdisabilities.SheservedasChairoftheBoardofDirectorsoftheCouncil

ofParent

Attorneys

and

Advocates

(COPAA)

in

2007

08,

and

on

the

Board

of

Directors

from

20042009.ShewasaprincipalcoordinatorofCOPAAsCongressionalAffairsprogramin2004

2009.SheistheauthorofUNSAFEINTHESCHOOLHOUSE:ABUSEOFCHILDRENWITHDISABILITIES(COPAA

2009) which describes over 180 cases in which students were subjected to restraint and

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CopyrightInformation.MYSTATESSECLUSION&RESTRAINTLAWSiscopyrightedbyJessicaButler.Itis

theresult

of

many,

many

hours

of

research

and

work

that

Ihope

adds

knowledge

about

restraint/seclusion.Pleasecopy,shareandredistributethereportwithtwoconditions.First,

pleasedonotremovemynameandemailaddressfromthereport.Itisalwaysfinetopostthe

reportinPDFformatinfullonanotherwebsiteortogiveitoutordistributeit.Second,itisfine

touseafair,reasonable,anddiscreetamountofmaterialinyourownarticles,presentations,

testimony,orothersimilardocuments,aslongasyoucreditittomeandincludeeitheralinkto

thereportonAutComswebpageormyemailaddress.Thepolicybelowisdevelopedtoenable

parents,

self

advocates,

professionals,

scholars,

students,

members

of

the

media,

and

others

to

usetheinformationbutatthesametimepreventsomeonefromsimplytakingmyinformation

andreformulatingitfortheirownwebsite,hub,orpublication.Itreferstomysigned,written

permissiontodocertainthings,whichIamhappytofaxiftimesensitive.

Sometimes,peoplewanttotaketheinformationforafewstatesandreproduceit.Itisfineto

taketheinformationforupto5statesandcopyandreproduceitinfullelsewhere,ortowrite

anothertypeofsummaryorsynopsisthatisfairuseofthedocument.Forexample,aConnecticut

advocatemight

want

to

copy

and

give

out

information

for

her

state

and

the

4surrounding

states.

Butafewpeoplehavesoughttotakemyresearchandcreatetheirownwebsites,documents,

maps,charts,etc.withinformationforalloralargenumberofstates.Thisisnotallowed.Itisnot

fairuseandwouldbeacopyrightviolation.Unlessyougetmysignedwrittenpermission,you

maynot(a)takemyresearchandinformationanduseittocreateyourownwebsite,ordocument

withmaps,charts,orotherinformationforeachofthe50states(oreven10states),or(b)totake

substantialorsignificantportionsofmyresearchandrepublishthemonanotherwebsite,book,

document,or

elsewhere

in

any

format.

This

does

not

mean

that

Iwill

deny

the

request;

it

means

thatyouneedmysigned,writtenpermission.Again,itisalwaysfinetorepublishtheentirereport

inPDFformatonyourwebsiteorelsewhere,ortolinktoit.Ifyouhavequestionsorthereis

something youwould like to do please ask me I am happy to discuss and consider reasonable

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CONTENTSMyStatesSeclusion&RestraintLawsIntroduction................................................................ 3

NationalSummary(AllStates:AnOverview)............................................................................. 4

Alabama.................................................................................................................................... 10

Alaska........................................................................................................................................ 10

Arkansas.................................................................................................................................... 11

Arizona...................................................................................................................................... 11

California................................................................................................................................... 11

Colorado.................................................................................................................................... 12

Connecticut............................................................................................................................... 13

Delaware................................................................................................................................... 14

DistrictOfColumbia.................................................................................................................. 14

Florida....................................................................................................................................... 15

Georgia...................................................................................................................................... 15

Hawaii....................................................................................................................................... 16

Iowa........................................................................................................................................... 16

Idaho......................................................................................................................................... 16

Illinois........................................................................................................................................ 17

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Missouri..................................................................................................................................... 22

Montana.................................................................................................................................... 23

NorthCarolina........................................................................................................................... 24

NorthDakota............................................................................................................................. 24

Nebraska................................................................................................................................... 25

NewJersey................................................................................................................................ 25

NewHampshire......................................................................................................................... 25

NewMexico.............................................................................................................................. 26

Nevada...................................................................................................................................... 27

NewYork................................................................................................................................... 27

Ohio........................................................................................................................................... 28

Oklahoma.................................................................................................................................. 28

Oregon...................................................................................................................................... 29

Pennsylvania............................................................................................................................. 29

RhodeIsland.............................................................................................................................. 29

SouthCarolina........................................................................................................................... 30

SouthDakota............................................................................................................................. 31

Tennessee................................................................................................................................. 31

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MYSTATESSECLUSION&RESTRAINTLAWSBRIEFSUMMARIESOFSTATESECLUSIONANDRESTRAINTLAWSANDPOLICIES

August4,2013Note:Beforeusingthereport,pleasereadtheparagraphImportantTechnicalDetailsonpageii.

Forovertwodecades,evidencehasaccumulatedofthedangersposedbyrestraintand

seclusion.

According

a

to

a

Government

Accountability

Office

study,

these

dangerous

practices

haveresultedindeath,injury,andtrauma.Incidentsincludechildrenwithbrokenlimbsand

otherinjuries;andstudentswhodiedinrestraintorinseclusionrooms;andchildrenstrapped

orlockedintototablesandchairs.TheGAOdocumented20deathsfromrestraintalone.1The

mediahascontinuedtoreportonthedangersandabusesofrestraintandseclusionthrough

201213.2Othershavecataloguedrestraint/seclusionsharms,includingtheNationalDisability

RightsNetwork,whichdocumentedtheiruseinover2/3ofstates;theCouncilofParent

AttorneysandAdvocates,whichdocumented185incidentsofuse;andTASHina

groundbreaking2005

report.3

The

Council

for

Exceptional

Childrens

Council

for

Children

with

BehavioralDisordershasdescribedthewidevarietyofinjuriesanddeaths[that]haveoccurred

whilestudentsareinseclusionenvironmentsincludingsuicide,electrocution,andselfinjury

duetocutting,pounding,andheadbangingandthewidespreaduseofrestraintin

educationalandotherenvironments.4

In2009HouseofRepresentativeshearingsdocumentedthedangersofrestraintandseclusion,

andin

2012,

Senate

hearings

documented

how

positive

interventions

can

greatly

reduced

the

useofrestraintandseclusion.5Forexample,PennsylvaniasCentennialSchool,whichserves

studentsin35schooldistricts,hasreducedtheuseofrestraintandseclusionfromover1,000

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incidentsayeartolessthan10byusingpositiveinterventionsandsupports.

Giventhedangersthatrestraintandseclusionpose,theyshouldbelimitedtoveryrare

emergencieswhennecessarytoprotectapersonfromphysicaldanger,andonlyifless

restrictive,lessdangerousmeasureswillnotwork.Theyshouldendwhentheemergencyends.

Schoolsshouldpreventproblematicbehaviorthroughdeescalation,conflictmanagement,and

evidencebasedpositivebehavioralsupports.Schoolsshouldtakestepstoinformparents

within24hoursofrestraint/seclusion,sotheycanseekneededmedicalcare.Highlydangerous

restraints,

including

those

that

threaten

life,

and

mechanical

and

chemical

restraints,

should

be

absolutelyprohibited.Restraintandseclusionshouldnotpreventachildfromcommunicating

medicaldistress;theGAOdocumentedanumberofinstancesinwhichchildrenwhocouldtalk

saidtheycouldnotbreathe.

Butfewstatesprovidetheseprotectionsforallchildrenbylaw,andmanystateshaveweak

legalprotectionsornoprotectionsatall.Whenparentsmove,achildcanentirelylosehis/her

protections.Atatteredpatchworkofstatutesandregulations,nonbindingguidelinesand

suggestedmodels,

and

even

total

silence

blankets

the

nation.

A

state

border

can

be

the

end

of

thelineofprotection.Thepurposeofthisreportistobrieflysummarizeandanalyzestatelaws

andpoliciesaboutrestraintandseclusionsopeoplecanidentifytheirownstaterulesand

comparethemtootherstates.Thesearebriefsummaries;formoreinformationonthestates

andmoredetailedanalysis,seeHOWSAFEISTHESCHOOLHOUSE?ANANALYSISOFSTATESECLUSIONAND

RESTRAINTLAWSANDPOLICIES.Thatpublicationalsoincludesmapsillustratingallofthestatelists

belowintheNationalSummarysectionandotherissues.

NATIONALSUMMARY(ALLSTATES)

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Onlystatutesandregulationsprovidemandatorylegalprotection.Bothhavetheforceof

law

and

must

be

followed.

Guidelines

and

policy

documents

are

merely

suggestive,

andcanbereadilychangedwithoutgoingthroughalegislativeorrulemakingprocess.6

Theinsufficiencyofstatepoliciesandguidelinesisdemonstratedbythenumberof

statesthathavereplacedguidelineswithbindingstatutesandregulationsoverthelast3

years:DE,IN,KS,KY,LA,OH,VT,WI,andtheseekingofmandatorystatutesand

regulationsinMIandDC.SeveralstateProtection&Advocacyandotherstate

organizationshavedocumentedthatpolicyguidanceisinsufficient,andshownthat

significant

levels

of

restraint

and

seclusion

have

continued

to

occur

in

states

with

voluntarypolicies,butnotthanmandatorystatutesandregulations.7

Restraint/SeclusionShouldBeLimitedtoEmergenciesThreateningPhysicalDanger.

Bylaw(statute/regulation),restraintislimitedtoemergencieswhereitisabsolutelynecessarytoprotectsomeonefromimminentphysicaldangerorseriousphysical

dangerin14statesforallchildren;19statesforchildrenwithdisabilities:AL,CO,CTd,

DE,FLd,GA,IL,IN,KS,LA

d,ME,NH,OH,OR,PA

d,RI,TN

d,VT,andWI.Throughoutthis

section,the

superscripted

d(d)

denotes

astate

which

protects

only

students

with

disabilities.

Bylaw(statute/regulation),seclusionofallchildrenisprohibitedinnonemergencysituationsin12states,with10limitingittoemergenciesthreateningphysical

danger/seriousphysicaldanger,and1banningitentirely,and1banningitbut

permittingitforphysicalharmemergenciesiftheStateDepartmentofEducationgrants

awaiver

for

an

individual

student.

Seclusion

of

children

with

disabilities

in

non

emergencysituationsisforbiddenin18states,with13limitingittoemergencies

threateningphysicaldanger/seriousphysicaldanger,4banningit,and1banningitwith

i d ib d b S l i i b d i GA NVd

PAd

d TXd

It i li it d

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roomachildcannotexit(doorislocked,orblockedbyfurniture,heavyequipment,

childproofing,

or

held

closed

by

staff,

etc.).

8

OtherLimitsonRestraint/Seclusion.

Restraintswhichobstructbreathingorthreatenlifearebannedbystatute/regulationinonly21statesforallchildren;28states,forthosewithdisabilities.Theselawsmaybe

framedasbansonlifethreateningrestraints,restraintsimpedingbreathing,orprone

restraints.Pronerestraint(facedownrestraint)specificallyisbarredin10statesforall

children;

11

for

children

with

disabilities.

There

are

forms

of

restraint

other

than

prone

restraintthatcanbeimpairbreathingandbelifethreatening.Thereare3statesthat

banpronerestraintonly:GA,OR,andPA.Thereare17thatbanallrestraintsthat

obstructbreathingorthatthreatenlifeforallchildren;23forchildrenwithdisabilities.

Thestateswithexplicitbansare:AL,CO,CTd,FL

d,IA,KS,KY,LA

d,ME,MD,MA,MN

d,NH,

RI,TNd,VT,WA,WV,WI,andWY.TX

d,IN,andOHhaveimplicitbans,forbiddingeither

restraintsthatharmchildrenorrestraintsthatdeprivethechildofbasicneeds.A

superscriptedd(d)indicatesalawapplicableonlytostudentswithdisabilities.

Mechanicalrestraintsincludeusingducttape,bungeecords,andropestotiechildrenuportiethemtofurniture;lockingchildrenintochairsortablesorusingotherlocking

mechanisms;andothersimilardevices.Inmultiplecases,childrenhavebeenlocked

intochairsandleftaloneindarkenedrooms.9Lawsforbidmechanicalrestraintsin16

statesforallchildren:AL,CO,GA,IL,IA,KS,KY,ME,NH,OH,OR,VT,WY,WV,andWI.

Similarly,theyforbiddangerouschemicalrestraintsinonly15statesforallchildren:AL,

CO,DE

(new

June

2013),

GA,

IL,

IA,

KS,

KY,

ME,

NH,

OH,

OR,

RI,

VT,

and

WI.

Restraintandseclusionmustbeusedonlyasalastresortandonlyaslongasthel t Th i d t th th i D l ti d

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first.Restraintandseclusionaredangerousandalsoescalatebehaviors,leadingtoa

cycleof

violence.

Positive

interventions,

conflict

resolution,

and

de

escalation

resolve

difficultsituationsandhelpreduceandpreventrestraint/seclusionuse.10

Research

showsthatthesemeasuresareamongthemostusefulstrategiesforreducing

restraint/seclusion,accordingtotheNationalAssociationofStateMentalHealth

ProgramDirectors.11

Ofthosestatesthatallowseclusion,veryfewhavelawsrequiringstafftocontinuouslyobserve

students

and

ensure

they

are

not

injured

or

killed.

There

are

28

states

that

allowseclusionofchildrenwithdisabilitieswithoutrequiringstafftocontinuously

visuallymonitor(watch)them;thereare38suchstatesforallchildren.In2007,an

Atlantateencommittedsuicideinseclusionbeingcheckedonoccasionallybyateacher

sittingoutsidetheroom;in2011,anIndianachildattemptedsuicidewhileleftaloneina

room.12

Lawsinonly22statesmandatethatparentsofallchildrenbetoldiftheirchildwasrestrained/secluded.

29

states

lack

such

laws.

There

are

33

states

with

parental

notificationlawsforstudentswithdisabilities,meaning18stateslackthem.Prompt

notificationisvitaltoensurethatparentscanseekmedicalcareforconcussions,hidden

injuries,otherinjuries,andtrauma,andtoenablethemtoworkwithschoolstoimprove

conditionsandprovidebettersupportsforall.Only14statesbylawrequireschoolsto

takestepstonotifyparentsofallchildrenonthesamedayorbythenextday;23,

parentsofchildrenwithdisabilities.Still,ofthosestateswithparentalnotificationlaws

orpolicies,

the

vast

majority

are

for

same

day

or

next

day

notification,

suggesting

that

thisisabroadlysupportedposition.Anactualorgoodfaithefforttonotifyparentson

thesamedayorwithin1dayisrequiredin:AZ,CO,IA,IL,KY,MD,ME,MA,NH,OH,OR,

VT WV WY CTd

FLd

LAd

MNd

MTd

TNd

TXd

UTd

WAd

M f th t t

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downintospecifictimeperiods,pleaseseeHowSAFEISTHESCHOOLHOUSE?ANANALYSISOF

STATERESTRAINTANDSECLUSIONLAWS,available

at

www.autcom.org.

Fewstatesrequirestateleveldatacollection.Datacollectionprovidesimportanttransparency,allowspublicoversight,andenablesschoolstoanalyzedata,respond,and

makechangestobetterpreventrestraint/seclusion. Theavailabledatasuggeststhat

dataforallstateswillbehighlyinstructive.In2013,Connecticutbeganreportingan

annualsummary.In201112,restraintandseclusionwereused37,063timeswith

students

with

disabilities

(numbers

for

students

without

disabilities

are

not

reported).

In

200708,TexasandCaliforniareportedatleast33,000incidentsofrestraintand

seclusion.

In2010,Floridastartedkeepingdata.In201112,Floridareported9,751

restraintand4,245seclusionepisodes.13

Only17statescollectevenminimaldataatthe

statelevelonrestraint/seclusion useeachyear.Still,28statesrequirethatdatabekept

atthestate,local,orschoollevel,indicatingthatkeepingsuchrecordsisnot

burdensome.

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? ?

BriefSummariesofEachState

State

Seclusion

and

Restraint

Laws

and

Policies

effectiveMay2,2013

JessicaButler2013([email protected])

Pleasenote:Thesearebriefsummariesofimportantstatelawandpolicy

provisionsaboutrestraintandseclusion.Thesearenotfulldescriptionsofstate

seclusionor

restraint

laws

(statutes/regulations)

or

polices.

For

more

detailed

stateinformation,pleaseseeHOWSAFEISTHESCHOOLHOUSE?ANANALYSISOFSTATE

SECLUSIONANDRESTRAINTLAWS&POLICIESavailableatwww.autcom.orgoremailthe

[email protected]

CopyrightInformation

Pleaseseepageiiforimportantcopyrightinformationaboutthesestatebystatesummaries.

Pageiiexplainshowpeoplecanusereasonable,limited,andfairamountsofthisinformationin

their own documents blogs and web pages Page ii also explains the copyright restrictions on

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ALABAMA ALhasaregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsforallchildren. ALpermitsrestraintonlyinanemergencywhenitsuseisnecessarytopreventanimminent

threatofphysicalharm.

ALforbidsrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathingand/orpronerestraint.Itforbidsmechanicalandchemicalrestraints.

ALforbidslockedseclusion.Therearenorestrictionsonseclusionifthedoorisnotformallylockedbutblockedbyfurniture,heavyequipment,etc.,heldclosedbystaff,orbycheap

childproofing

that

adults

and

children

without

disabilities

can

open,

but

children

with

disabilitiesmaynotbeableto.Alabamaisintheminorityonthis.

Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. Restraint/Seclusioncannotbeusedunlesslessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionshave

failed/wouldbeineffective.Restraint/Seclusionmustendwhentheemergencyends.

Parentsmustbenotifiedwithin1business/schooldayoftheuseofrestraint. Statecollectsdataatleastannuallyregardinguseofrestraint/seclusionalthoughdata

collectedmay

be

limited.

Data

collection

is

important

for

transparency,

public

oversight,

andtoallowschools,professionals,andparentstounderstandschoolrestraint/seclusion

use,analyzethedata,andmakechangestobetterpreventrestraint/seclusion.

ALASKA

AKhassomeveryminimalprotectioninregulation,andmostlysimplyexplicitlypermitstheuse

of

restraint.

Restraint

is

permitted

for

threats

of

physical

harm,

property

destruction,

or

educationaldisruption(e.g.,tantrums).But,restraintissodangerousthatitshouldbe

permittedonlywhenactivitythreatensimminentphysicaldangernotforotheractivity

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ARKANSAS

Therearenostatutes,regulations,orevennonbinding,suggestedguidelinesaboutrestraintinschools.Restraintcanbeusedforanyreason,evenwhennooneisatriskofharm.

ARregulationappliesonlytoseclusionofstudentswithdisabilities. Seclusionisallowedforthreatsofphysicalharm,propertydamageorsevereeducational

disruption,evenwhennoonessafetyisatrisk.Thisexposeschildrentoseclusionfornon

emergencies;seclusionissodangerousthatitshouldonlybeusedinemergencies,ifatall.

Lockedroomsareforbidden. Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. Norequirementthatlessrestrictivemechanismsbeusedorconsidered;norequirement

thatuseendwhentheemergencyends.

Nolegalrequirementstonotifyparentsorcollectdata.

ARIZONA Therearenostatutes,regulations,orevennonbinding,suggestedguidelinesaboutrestraint

inschools.AZdoesnotforbidrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathingand/orprone

restraint.Itforbidsmechanicalandchemicalrestraints.

AZs2013StatuteappliesonlytoSeclusion. AZallowsseclusioninemergenciesthreateningphysicalharmorunderanycircumstances

aslongasparentsconsent.(Inotherstates,parentshavegivenconsent,andlaterfound

theirchildinjuredortraumatizedbyseclusionbecausetheparentsdidnotfullyunderstand

towhat

they

were

consenting.)

AZdoesnotrequiremonitoringofchildreninseclusion. AZdoesnotrequireseclusiontoendwhentheemergencyends.

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CAforbidslockedseclusion.Itdoesnotprohibitseclusionifthedoorisnotformallylockedbut

blocked

by

furniture,

heavy

equipment,

etc.,

held

closed

by

staff,

or

by

cheap

child

proofingthatadultsandchildrenwithoutdisabilitiescanopen,butchildrenwithdisabilities

maynotbeableto.

CAdoesnotlimitrestraintsthatimpedebreathingormechanicalorchemicalrestraints.Theseareallverydangerousrestraints.Mechanicalrestraintsincludeducttaping,tyingor

bindingchildrentofurniture,objects,orthemselves;lockingchairsandfurniture;etc.

CArequiresonlyadequatesupervisionofunlockedseclusion(unlockedroomschildcannot

physically

exit).

It

does

not

require

continuous

visual

monitoring

and

it

imposes

no

limitsonnonemergencyseclusion.Childrenhavediedinseclusion,attemptedsuicide,

andbeeninjuredwhennotwatchedcontinuously.

Parentsmustbenotifiedofrestraint/seclusionwithin1business/schooldayforemergencyuse.Therearenonotificationrequirementsfornonemergencyuse.

Statecollectsannualdataforemergencyinterventions,butnotnonemergencyuse.Datacollectionisimportantfortransparency,publicoversight,andtoallowschools,

professionals,andparentstounderstandschoolrestraint/seclusionuse,analyzethedata,

andmakechangestobetterpreventrestraint/seclusion.

Lessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionsmustfailorbedeemedineffectivebeforerestraint/seclusionareused.Restraint/seclusionmustendwhentheemergencyends.

Theserestrictionsapplyonlyifthereisanemergency;innonemergencies,

restraint/seclusiondonothavelimitsinCalifornia.

COLORADO

COhasastatuteorregulationthatprovidesmeaningfulprotectionsforallchildren. COallowsrestraint/seclusiononlyemergencieswhentheiruseisnecessarytopreventan

imminent threat of physical harm

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CONNECTICUT CThasastatuteandregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsforstudentswithdisabilities

only.

CTallowsrestraintonlyinanemergencywhenitsuseisnecessarytopreventanimminentthreatofphysicalharm.

CTforbidstwoofthemostdangerousrestraints:thosethatinterferewithbreathing,andchemicalrestraint.Itpermitsmechanicalrestraintforthreatsofphysicalharmorifprovided

forinastudentsIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)foranyreason.SuchIEPprovisions

aredangerous,

as

they

are

viewed

as

permission

to

use

adangerous

procedure

freely

and

regularly.

CTallowsseclusiononlyinanemergencywhenitsuseisnecessarytopreventanimminentthreatofphysicalharmorifitiswrittenintothechildsIndividualizedEducationProgram

(IEP).SeclusioncanbeputintoanIEPforanyreason.

SuchIEPprovisionsaredangerous,

astheyareviewedaspermissiontouseadangerousprocedurefreelyandregularly.

AllowingmechanicalrestraintandseclusiontoincludedinIEPsinthismannerishighlydangerous.

It

can

increase

use

of

the

procedure

by

causing

it

to

be

used

as

adefault

with

children.Mediareportsindicatethatseclusionwaspartofadailyplanforchildrenwith

disabilitiesinatleastoneConnecticutschooldistrict.Thestudentswereputintoscream

rooms.Ratherthanfocusingonendingtheuseoftheroomandusingpositive

interventions,thedistrictinitiallydecidedtheywouldbemovedtooutoftheway

locationssotheiruseinthefutureisnotdisruptivetootherstudents.14

Thelawmayalso

createincentivestoputseclusioninanIEPtoavoidquestionsaboutwhethertherewasan

emergency.

In

2011

12,

seclusion

was

used

5,161

times

in

Connecticut

because

of

an

emergencywheresomeonewasinimminentriskofdanger,but18,147timesinnon

emergencieswhereanIEPallowedittobeusedforotherreasons,suchasbehavior

modification. The latter was more than 3.5 times the use of seclusion in emergencies.

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Per2012statute,dataaboutrestraint/seclusionusemustbecollectedandreportedtostate.

Data

collection

is

important

for

transparency,

public

oversight,

and

to

allow

schools,

professionals,andparentstounderstandschoolrestraint/seclusionuse,analyzethedata,

andmakechangestobetterpreventrestraint/seclusion.

DELAWARE DEhasalegallybindingstatutewithmeaningfulprotectionsfromrestraintandseclusionfor

allchildren.

DEpermitsphysicalrestraintonlyforimminentseriousthreatsofphysicalharm.DEbansmechanicalrestraintsandseclusionbutallowstheStateDepartmentofEducationtowaive

thesetwobansforindividualchildrenbasedoncompellingjustificationandwithspecific

conditionsandsafeguards.Buttherearenootherlimitsonthewaivers.Thus,awaiver

maybegrantedtousethemwhennooneisindangerofharm.

DEforbidsrestraintthatinterfereswithbreathingandchemicalrestraint.Itallowstheuseofdangerousmechanicalrestraintspursuanttoawaiverasstatedabove.Thiscaninclude

ducttaping

children,

and

tying,

strapping,

and

locking

them

into

chairs,

other

equipment,

etc.Itishighlydangerous.

Lessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionsmustfail/beineffectivebeforephysicalrestraintmaybeused.Restraintmustendwhentheemergencyends.Thelawdoesnot

applysimilarrulesifseclusionormechanicalrestraintareusedunderawaiver.

Parentsmustbereceivetimelynotificationoftheuseofrestraint,atermtobedefinedbytheStateDepartmentofEducationthroughregulation.Notificationwithinaday,however,

is

important

so

parents

can

seek

needed

medical

help

for

concussions,

hidden

internal

injuries,etc.

StateDepartmentofEducationtodeterminewhatdatamustbecollected.Datacollectionis important for transparency public oversight and to allow schools professionals and

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Lockondoortoseclusionroomshouldautomaticallyrelease,perguidelines,butthereisno

such

limit

in

binding

statute

or

regulation.

Guidelinesurgethatchildreninseclusionbecontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallymonitored,butthereisnosuchlimitinbindingstatuteorregulation.

Guidanceurgesthatrestraint/seclusionshouldnotbeusedunlesslessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionshavefailed/wouldbeineffective.Theyalsourgethat

restraint/seclusionshouldendwhentheemergencyends,perguidelines.Noneofthese

limitsareinlegallybindingstatutesorregulations.

DC

has

no

law

or

regulation

requiring

that

parents

be

informed

of

the

use

of

restraint

or

seclusion.Butguidelinesurgesamedaynotification.

FLORIDA FLhasastatutewithmeaningfulprotectionsforchildrenwithdisabilities.Itdoesnothave

alawforallchildren.

FLhasanimpliedrequirementthatrestraintandseclusionbeusedonlyforimminentthreatof

serious

physical

harm.

The

statute

requires

an

incident

report

to

be

filed

for

each

incidentthatexplainswhytherewasariskofseriousphysicalharm.Buttherequirementis

notexplicit,andthestatutemaybeinterpretedaspermittingrestraintorseclusionforany

reason.

FLforbidsrestraintthatinterfereswithbreathing.Ithasnolimitonmechanicalorchemicalrestraints.Theseareallverydangerousrestraints.

FLdoesnotrequireschoolstafftomonitororobserveachildinseclusion;itleavesthisdecision

up

to

the

school

district.

Children

have

been

injured

and

even

died

in

seclusion

whentheywerenotcontinuallyobservedbystaff.

FLrequiresthelockonthedoortoaseclusionroomtoautomaticallyrelease. FL requires that parents be notified on the same day as the event with a fuller written

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Lessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionsmustfail/beineffectivebeforephysicalrestraint

may

be

used.

Restraint

must

end

when

the

emergency

ends.

Parentsmustbenotifiedofrestraintwithin1business/schoolday.

HAWAII Hawaiihasaveryweakregulationforstudentswithdisabilitieswithnorealprotectionfrom

restraint.Itimposesnolimitsonseclusion.Hawaiiallowstheuseofreasonableforceto

preventinjurytoapersonorproperty.

Otherwise,Hawaiiissilentandprovidesnoprotections.Therearenoprohibitionsonextremelydangerousrestraints,suchasthosethatthreatenlife,ormechanicalorchemical

restraints.Therearenorequirementsforparentalnotification.Therearenorequirements

tomonitorchildreninseclusionortoensurethatseclusionspacesaresafe.Thereareno

requirementstouselessrestrictive,lessdangerousmeasuresbeforeusingrestraintor

seclusion.Therearenorequirementsthatuseendwhentheemergencyends.Thereisno

statemandateddatacollection.

IOWA IAhasastatuteorregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsforallchildren.Buttherearestill

loopholesinitslaw,includingpermittingtheuseofrestraintandseclusionwhennooneis

indangerandallowingthemtobeusedaftertheemergencyends.

Restraintandseclusionareallowedforthreatsofphysicalharm,propertydestruction,oreducationaldisruption.Butrestraint/seclusionaresodangerousthattheyshouldbe

permittedonly

when

activity

threatens

imminent

physical

dangernot

for

other

activity

thatposesnosuchthreat.

(SeeKansasdiscussionbelow.)

IAforbidsrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathing,aswellasmechanicalandchemical

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Nostatute,regulation,orevennonbindingguidelines.

ILLINOIS ILhasastatuteorregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsfromrestraintandseclusionfor

allchildren.ButtherearestillloopholesinIllinoislaw,includingallowingseclusionwhen

nooneisindangerandallowingtheprocedurestocontinueafteranyemergencyhas

ended.

ILpermitsrestraintonlyforimminentthreatofphysicalharm.Seclusionispermittedforthreats

of

physical

harm

or

educational

disruption

(which

may

threaten

no

one

in

any

way).

Butseclusion,likerestraint,issodangerousthatitshouldbeallowedonlywhensomeones

physicalsafetyisimminentlythreatened.

ILforbidsrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathingandmechanicalandchemicalrestraints. Locksonseclusionroomdoorsmustautomaticallyrelease. Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. Restraintshouldendwhentheemergencyends.Seclusionshouldend30minutesafterthe

behaviorresulting

in

seclusion

has

ended.

Parentsmustbenotifiedofrestraint/seclusionwithin1calendardayor24hours.

INDIANA INhasastatutewithsomemeaningfulprotectionsforallchildren.Anewstatuteenacted

April30,2013requiresthatacommissionbeappointedtowriterulesandamodelplan.

Butthestatutedoesnotfullycircumscribethecommissionsauthority,andtherulesit

writesmay

or

may

not

properly

protect

children.

The

statute

does

lay

out

some

elements

ofthemodelplan.Schooldistrictswillberequiredtoadopttheirownplans,includingall

elementsinthemodel,by2014.

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KShasaregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsagainstseclusionandrestraintforallchildren.

The

regulation

was

adopted

in

February

2013,

published

on

April

4,

2013,

and

madeeffectiveonApril19,2013.

KSpermitsrestraint/seclusiononlyinanemergencywhentheiruseisnecessarybecauseastudentanimmediatedangertoselforothers.Asclarification,violentproperty

destructionisconsideredathreatofphysicaldanger.Otherformsofpropertydestruction

wherenooneisindangerofharmarenotgroundstouserestraintorseclusion.Thisis

appropriate.Expertsagreethatbecauserestraint/seclusionaresodangerous,theyshould

only

be

allowed

when

activity

threatens

imminent

physical

dangernot

for

other

activity

thatthreatensnoone.SeeREECEL.PETERSON,DEVELOPINGSCHOOLPOLICIES&PROCEDURESFOR

PHYSICALRESTRAINTANDSECLUSIONINNEBRASKASCHOOLS20(NebraskaDept.ofEduc.2010

http://www.education.ne.gov/documents/RestraintSeclusion_final_guidance_document_62210.pdf).

KSforbidsrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathing;prone,supine,mechanicalandchemicalrestraints.

KSrequiresstafftraining. KSdoesnotrequirelessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionstofail/beineffective

beforerestraint/seclusion

are

used,

and

does

not

require

them

to

end

when

the

emergency

ends.

KSdoesnotrequirecontinuousvisualmonitoringofchildreninseclusion.Childrenunwatchedinseclusionhavediedandbeeninjured.

KSrequiresparentstobeofrestraint/seclusionwithin2schooldays. Staterequirescollectionofdata.Datacollectionisimportantfortransparency,public

oversight,andtoallowschools,professionals,andparentstounderstandschool

restraint/seclusionuse,

analyze

the

data,

and

make

changes

to

better

prevent

restraint/seclusion.

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Parentsmustbenotifiedofrestraint/seclusionwithin1calendardayor24hours. Staterequirescollectionofdata.Datacollectionisimportantfortransparency,public

oversight,andtoallowschools,professionals,andparentstounderstandschool

restraint/seclusionuse,analyzethedata,andmakechangestobetterprevent

restraint/seclusion.

LOUISIANA LAhasastatutewithmeaningfulprotectionsagainstseclusionandrestraintforchildren

withdisabilities.

LApermitsrestraintandseclusiononlyinanemergencywhennecessarytopreventanimminentthreatofphysicalharm.

LAforbidsrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathingandmechanicalrestraints.Ithasnolimitsondangerouschemicalrestraints.

Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. Lessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionsmustfail/beineffectivebefore

restraint/seclusionare

used.

Restraint/Seclusion

must

end

when

the

emergency

ends.

Parentsmustbenotifiedofrestraint/seclusionwithin1calendardayor24hours,withafullerwrittenreportlater.

Statecollectsdataatleastannuallyregardinguseofrestraint/seclusion.

MASSACHUSETTS MAhasastatutewithmeaningfulprotectionsagainstseclusionandrestraintforall

children,but

there

are

significant

loopholes

that

likely

increase

use

of

these

dangerous

practicesorallowtheiruseinnonemergencies,whennooneisthreatened.

MApermitsrestraintonly(a)inanemergencywhenitisnecessarytopreventanimminent

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restrictuseofseclusionroomsorlimitthemonlytosituationsinvolvingthreatsofphysical

dangerwhen

there

is

any

kind

of

access

to

staff.

This

is

not

strong

enough

to

protect

children.Someonecanbeaccessibleanddownthehallorinanotherplace.JonathanKing

isayoungmanwhodiedinaseclusionroominAtlantawithschoolstaffsittingoutsidethe

door,andaccessibletohim.

Beforerestraintisused,lessrestrictive,lessdangerousmeasuresmustfailorbedeemedineffective.Restraintmustendwhenemergencyends.

Parentsmustbenotifiedonthesamedayastheevent.Butiftherestraintlastedlessthan5

minutes,

the

school

need

not

inform

parents.

School

can

ask

parents

to

waive

notice

of

otherrestraints.Waiverisforbiddenforrestraintsexceeding20minutesorifitrestraint

resultsinseriousinjury.Thistermisnotdefined,givingschoolsbroaddiscretion.Afive

minuterestraintcanstillcauseharm.

DataisreportedtotheStateonlyiftherestraintexceeds20minutesorifsomeonewasseriouslyinjured(undefined)duringtherestraint.Sincemanyrestraintslastlessthan20

minutes,thesewillgoentirelyunreported.Datacollectionisimportantfortransparency,

publicoversight,andtoallowschools,professionals,andparentstounderstandschool

restraint/seclusionuse,

analyze

the

data,

and

make

changes

to

better

prevent

restraint/seclusion.

MARYLAND MDhasastatuteandregulationsthatprovidemeaningfulprotectionsagainstseclusionand

restraintforallchildren.

MDallowsrestraintandseclusiononlyinanemergencywhenitisnecessarytopreventanimminentthreatofseriousphysicalharmorasstatedinachildsIndividualizedEducation

ProgramorBehaviorInterventionPlanevenwhennooneisinriskofanyharm.Because

restraint and seclusion are so dangerous, they should be limited to emergencies requiring

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Schoolsmustnotifyparentswithin1calendardayor24hoursunlessotherwisestatedinIEP.

MAINE MEhasastatuteandregulationswithmeaningfulprotectionsforallchildren.MEsscheme

wasrevisedfirstinApril2012andagaininApril2013.

Restraint/Seclusionarelimitedtoemergenciesthreateningariskofphysicalharm.ThenewApril2013statutepermitstheuseofrestraint/seclusionwhena"reasonablyprudent"

personwould

take

steps

to

protect

people

from

physical

harm.

MEexcludesbriefcontacttobreakupafightfromthedefinitionofphysicalrestraint. MEforbidsrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathing,andmechanicalandchemicalrestraints. MEforbidslockedseclusion.MEallowsunlockedseclusion(e.g.,doorblockedbyfurniture,

equipment,staffholdingshut,etc.)foremergencythreatsofphysicalharm.

Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. Lessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionsmustfailbeforerestraint/seclusionareused.

Restraint/Seclusionmust

end

when

the

emergency

ends.

Parentsmustbenotifiedonthesamedaythatrestraintorseclusionoccurs. TheStatecollectsdataannually. Duetocomplaintsthatstaffdidnotunderstandthelaw,the2013lawrequiresthat

informationaboutthelawtobeprovidedannually.

MICHIGAN Michiganhasonlynonbindingsuggestedguidelines.Suchguidelinesarenotstatutesor

regulations.Theydonotprovidelegalprotectionsforchildrenandarenotmandatory

(meaningtheymaybeignored).TheyarealsoeasilychangedbytheStateDepartmentof

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MIsuggests,butdoesnotrequire,thatparentsbenotifiedonthesamedaytheeventoccurs.

MIsuggestsdatabecollectedbyState,butcurrentstatusisunclear.

MINNESOTA MNhasastatuteandregulationsthatprovidemeaningfulprotectionsfromrestraintand

seclusionforchildrenwithdisabilities.

TheMNstatuteappearsintendedtolimitrestrainttoemergenciesthreateningphysicalinjury.

But

it

was

drafted

in

away

that

created

some

ambiguity.

It

defines

physical

holdingtomeanrestraintusedtopreventphysicalinjury.Itthenlimitstheuseofphysical

holding.So,itispossiblethattherestraintusedforotherpurposesisnotcoveredbythe

statute.Buttheintentofthestatuteseemstobetolimitrestrainttoemergencies

threateningphysicalinjury.

MNforbidsrestraintthatinterfereswithbreathing.PronerestraintisalloweduntilAugust2015.TherearelimitationsanditisexpectedthatMNwillmakeaplantoendtheuseof

pronerestraint.

Nonetheless,

the

time

period

for

ending

the

use

of

prone

restraint

has

beenextendedseveraltimes.

MNhasnolimitonverydangerousmechanicalorchemicalrestraints. Seclusionisallowedonlywhennecessaryforimmediatethreatsofphysicalharmorserious

propertydestruction.Butpropertydestructionthatdoesnotthreatenphysicalharmshould

notbeabasisforseclusion,forcingachildintoalockedroomorotherroomfromwhich

he/shecannotexit(e.g.doorsblockedbyfurniture,equipment,etc.).

Locks

on

seclusion

room

doors

should

automatically

release.

Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. Lessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionsmustfail/bedeemedineffectivebefore

restraint/seclusion are used The use of the practices must end when the emergency ends

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MOsnonbindingguidancesuggestspermittingseclusion(whichitcallsisolation)onlyifthedoor

does

not

have

locking

hardware.

Thus,

blocking

doors

with

equipment

or

furniture

orholdingthemclosedappearstobepermitted.Thishasthesameeffectasseclusionwith

lockinghardware.MO'svoluntaryguidelinessuggestallowingschooldistrictschoosetouse

seclusion(isolation)forthreatsofphysicalharm,destructionofproperty,orasstatedinthe

IEP.

MOsnonbindingguidancesuggests,butdoesnotrequire,staffhavetheabilitytosee/hearachildinseclusion(isolation)atalltimes.

MOs

nonbinding

guidance

suggests,

but

does

not

require,

allowing

restraint

for

threats

of

physicalharm,propertydestruction,educationaldisruption,orasstatedintheIEPforany

reasonwhatsoever.Expertsagreethatbecauserestraint/seclusionaresodangerous,they

shouldonlybeallowedwhenactivitythreatensimminentphysicaldangernotforother

activitythatthreatensnoone.(SeeKSabove.)ForanexplanationofwhyIEPprovisionslike

thisoneareharmful,seetheConnecticutsectionabove.

MOsnonbindingguidancesuggests,butdoesnotrequire,abanonrestraintthatinterfereswithbreathingand/orpronerestraint,andonchemicalrestraint.

MOsnonbindingguidancesuggests,butdoesnotrequire,thatmechanicalrestraintbepermittedasstatedintheIEP.Mechanicalrestraints(ducttaping,tyingorbindingchildren

tofurniture,objects,orthemselves;lockingchairsandfurniture,etc.)areparticularly

dangerous.

MOsnonbindingguidancesuggestslessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionsshouldeitherfailorbedeemedineffectivebeforethepracticesareused,andthatthepractices

mustendwhentheemergencyends.Yet,theguidelinesalsosuggestallowingtheirusein

nonemergencies

(e.g.

educational

disruption,

destruction

of

property,

and

as

stated

in

an

IEP).

MOsguidancesuggests,butdoesnotrequire,samedaynotificationforparents.Prompt

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Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. MTforbidslockedseclusionroomsandmechanicalrestraint. MThasnolimitonrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathingorchemicalrestraints. Thetimelimitsonrestraint/seclusionarethosestatedinthechildsIEPorBehavioral

InterventionPlan(BIP).Thiscouldallowuseofrestraint/seclusionlongafteranythreathas

ended.

Staffshouldtrylessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionsfirst,butthereisnorequirementthattheyfailorbeineffectivebeforerestraint/seclusionareused.

Parents

must

be

notified

within

1

calendar

day

or

24

hours.

NORTHCAROLINA NChasastatuteorregulationwithsomemeaningfulprotectionsfrombothrestraintand

seclusionforallchildren.

Restraintandseclusionareallowedforthreatsofphysicalharm,propertydestruction,oreducationaldisruptionorasstatedintheIEP/BIP.Expertsagreethatbecause

restraint/seclusionare

so

dangerous,

they

should

only

be

allowed

when

activity

threatens

imminentphysicaldangernotforotheractivitythatthreatensnoone.(SeeKSabove.)

ForanexplanationofwhyIEPprovisionslikethisoneareharmful,seetheConnecticut

sectionabove.

NChasnolimitonrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathingormechanicalorchemicalrestraints.Theseareallverydangerousrestraints.

Staffmustbeabletosee/hearchildatalltimesinseclusion,butthisdoesnotrequireactually

seeing

or

hearing

the

child.

A

child

committed

suicide

in

an

Atlanta

seclusion

room

ashisteachersatoutside.Shewascapableofseeinghimifshelookedin,whichshecould

doatanytime.

School to notify parents "promptly" with written follow up within 30 days if child was

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NEBRASKA NEhasaminor,verybriefregulationapplicabletoallchildren.Itsimplytellsschooldistricts

toadoptarestraint/seclusionpolicyastheychoose.Theregulationdoesnotspecifyor

suggestanyrequirementsforthatpolicy.NElacksalawprovidingmeaningfulprotections

fromrestraint/seclusionforallchildren.

NEalsohassuggested,nonbindingguidance.AlthoughNEsguidelinescontainahighlyinstructivesuggestedprogram,theyarenotstatutes/regulations.Theydonotprovide

mandatory,legalprotectionsforchildren.Theyarealsoeasilychanged,requiringneithera

legislativeor

rulemaking

process.

NEsnonbindingguidancesuggests,butdoesnotrequire,thatrestraint/seclusionbepermittedonlywhennecessaryduetoanimminentthreatofphysicalharm.

NEsnonbindingguidancesuggests,butdoesnotrequire,thatschoolsnotuserestraintsthatinterferewithbreathing,pronerestraint,ormechanicalorchemicalrestraints.

NEsnonbindingguidancesuggests,butdoesnotrequire,thatanylockonaseclusionroomdoorautomaticallyrelease.

NEsnonbindingguidancesuggests,butdoesnotrequire,thatstaffhavetheabilitytosee/hearchildinseclusionatalltimes.Itisimportantthatstaffnotonlyhavetheabilitytoobservechildren,butthattheyactuallydosocontinuously.Achildcommittedsuicideinan

Atlantaseclusionroomashisteachersatoutside.Shewascapableofseeinghimifshe

lookedin,whichshecoulddoatanytime.

NEsnonbindingguidancesuggeststhatrestraint/seclusionendwhentheemergencyends. NEsuggests,butdoesnotrequire,thatparentsbeinformedofrestraint/seclusiononthe

same

day

that

the

event

occurs.

NEWJERSEY

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Seclusionisgovernedbyolderregulations.NHsspecialeducationregulationsprohibitunobserved

seclusion

in

aspace

the

child

cannot

exit

unless

there

is

athreat

of

physical

harmoritisdocumentedintheIEP(aftercertainconditionsaremet).Thisprovisionhas

largeloopholes.First,itallowsunobserved,lockedseclusionforalmostanyreasonwhen

documentedintheIEP.Thiskindofseclusionisnotrestrictedatallbytheregulations.For

anexplanationoftheproblemsposedbythesetypesofIEPregulations,seethe

Connecticutsummaryabove.Second,theprovisionallowsseclusionforanyreasonwithout

anyregulationaslongasthechildisobserved.Observationcouldbebyremotecamera,

allowingchildrentolanguishinroomsforhours.

Forrestraintonly,NHrequiresattemptednotificationofparentswithin1calendardayor24hours;parentsmustreceiveafullerwrittenreportlater.NHhasnoparentalnotification

requirementsforseclusion.

Statecollectsrestraint(notseclusion)dataatleastannually.

NEWMEXICO NMhasnonbinding,suggestedguidancememoranda.Theseguidelinesarenotstatutesorregulationsanddonotmandateprotectionsforchildren.Theyareeasilychanged,requiring

neitheralegislativeorrulemakingprocess.

NMsnonbindingguidancesuggeststhatrestraintbelimitedtothreatsofphysicalharmandpropertydestruction.But,expertsagreethatbecauserestraint/seclusionareso

dangerous,theyshouldonlybeallowedwhenactivitythreatensimminentphysical

dangernotforotheractivitythatthreatensnoone.(SeeKSabove.)

NMsnonbindingguidance,butdoesnotrequire,suggestsabanonrestraintthatinterfereswithbreathingand/orpronerestraint.

NMsnonbindingguidance,butdoesnotrequire,doesnotsuggestlimitsonmechanicalrestraint or chemical restraint

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NEVADA NVhasastatutewithmeaningfulprotectionsagainstrestraintandseclusionforchildren

withdisabilities.

NVallowsrestraintonlywhennecessarytopreventimminentthreatsofphysicalharmorseriouspropertydestruction.Butpropertydestructionthatdoesnotthreatenphysical

harmshouldnotbeabasisforrestraint,givenhowverydangerousitis.SeeKansas

discussionaboveformoreexplanation.

NVpermitsmechanicalrestraintsuponphysicianorder;itdoesnotlimitchemicalrestraintor

restraints

that

impair

breathing

or

threaten

life.

NVforbidsallroomsfromwhichchildrenarephysicallypreventedfromexiting. Restraintmustendwhentheemergencyends. Inseparatenonbindingguidelines,NVrecommendsthatparentsbenotifiedofrestraint

within1calendardayor24hours.

Statecollectsdataatleastannuallyregardinguseofthesepractices.

NEWYORK

NYhasregulationsthatprovidesomeprotectionsforallchildrenandotherprotectionsonlyforchildrenwithdisabilities.Theprotectionsaremeaningfulandapplytobothrestraint

andseclusion.

NYpermitstheuseofrestraint/seclusiontorestrainapersonwhenthereisathreatofphysicalharm,propertydestruction,oreducationaldisruption.Thislawappliestoall

children.Butrestraintandseclusionaresodangerousthattheyshouldbepermittedonly

whenactivity

threatens

imminent

physical

dangernot

for

other

activity

that

poses

no

such

threat.(SeeKansasformoreinformationandexplanation.)

Forstudentswithdisabilities,seclusioninalockedroomoranyroomachildcannotopen

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andworkwiththeschooltousebehavioralsupportsthatpreventfurtheruseof

restraint/seclusion.

OHIO OHadoptedaregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsforallchildreninApril2013.

Previously,OHhadanonbindingpolicy(adoptedFeb.2013)andbeforethat,ithadan

ExecutiveOrderthatprotectedagainstcertainformsofrestraint.

OHpermitsrestraintandseclusiononlyinemergencieswheretheiruseisnecessarytoprevent

an

imminent

threat

of

physical

harm.

OHbansrestraintthatobstructsbreathing,andprone,mechanical,andchemicalrestraint. OHrequiresconstantsupervision"ofchildreninseclusioncoupledwiththeabilityto

observethestudent.

OHforbidsseclusioninlockedroomsandroomsachildcannotexitifstaffbecomesincapacitatedorleavesthearea.

Beforerestraint/seclusionareused,lessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionsmustfail/be

ineffective.

Seclusion

must

end

when

the

emergency

ends.

There

is

no

such

legally

requiredendingofrestraint,allowingrestrainttocontinuelongafteranemergencyhas

ended.

OHrequiressamedayparentalnotification. Statecollectsdataannually.

OKLAHOMA OKhasonlynonbinding,suggestedguidelinesapplicabletostudentswithdisabilitiesonly.

Suchguidelinesarenotstatutes/regulationsanddonotprovidemandatorylegal

protectionsforchildren.Theyarealsoeasilychanged,requiringneitheralegislativeor

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OREGON ORhasastatuteandregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsfrombothrestraintand

seclusionforallchildren.

ORpermitsrestraintandseclusiononlyinemergencieswheretheiruseisnecessarytopreventanimminentthreatofseriousphysicalharm.ORbanstheuseoffreestanding

seclusioncellsorisolationbooths.

ORforbidsrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathingandmechanicalandchemicalrestraint. Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyobservechildreninseclusion. Restraint/Seclusioncannotbeusedunlesslessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionshave

failed/wouldbeineffective.Theymustendwhentheemergencyends.

ORrequiressamedaynotificationofparents. Statecollectsdataatleastannuallyregardinguseofinterventions.

PENNSYLVANIA PAhasaregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsfrombothrestraintandseclusionfor

childrenwith

disabilities.

PApermitsrestraintonlyinemergencieswhereitsuseisnecessarytopreventanimminentthreatofphysicalharm.PAforbidsseclusion,meaninganyroomfromwhichachildcannot

readilyexit(locked,blockedbyfurnitureorequipment,heldshutbyteachers,etc.).

PAforbidsrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathingandmechanicalrestraint.Ithasnolimitsondangerouschemicalrestraints.

Restraintcannotbeusedunlesslessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionshavefailed/would

be

ineffective.

PArequiresparentalnotificationbutsetsnodeadline.AnIEPmeetingmustoccurwithin10days,effectivelymakingthistheouterdeadline.Thepositionofthemajorityofstateswith

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RIforbidsrestraintthatinterfereswithbreathingandchemicalrestraints. RIhasnolimitonmechanicalrestraints.But,mechanicalrestraintsaredangerousandcauseinjury.Childrenmaybestrappedintodevicesorotherwisestrappedortiedupand

leftthereforlongperiodsoftime.

RIbansseclusionunlessthechildisobserved,andseclusionhasbeenagreedtointhechild'sBehavioralInterventionPlan.RIdoesnotregulateseclusionwhenthechildis

observedandseclusionisinthechildsbehavioralinterventionplan.Ifthesetworulesare

met,thenthechildcanbesecludedforanyreasonandforanyperiodoftime.Thereareno

restrictionsonaddingseclusiontoachildsIEP,andnolimitonthereasonsforwhichitcan

beadded.Thus,childrencanbesecludedwhennoonessafetyisatrisk.Addingseclusion

toaBehavioralInterventionPlanisdangerous,forthereasonsexplainedintheConnecticut

section.

Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. Restraintmustendwhentheemergencyends.Restraintcannotbeusedunlessless

restrictive,lessdangerousinterventionshavefailedorwouldbeineffective.

RIrequiressamedaynotificationofparents,withafullerwrittenreportlater. Statecollectsdataatleastannuallyregardinguseofthesepractices.

SOUTHCAROLINA SChasonlynonbinding,suggestedguidelinesapplicabletostudentswithdisabilitiesonly.

WhileSCsguidelinesarehighlyinstructive,theyarenotstatutes/regulationsanddonot

providemandatorylegalprotectionsforchildren.Theyarealsoeasilychanged,requiring

neither

a

legislative

or

rulemaking

process.

SCsvoluntaryguidancesuggestsbanningrestraintsthatinterferewithbreathingandmechanicalrestraint.Thisisnotarequirement.SCdoesnototherwisesuggestlimitson

restraint permitting it to be used for any reason and under any conditions

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SOUTHDAKOTANo

statute,

regulation,

or

even

nonbinding

guidelines.

TENNESSEE TNhasastatuteandregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsfrombothrestraintand

seclusionforchildrenwithdisabilitiesonly.

TNpermitsrestraintandseclusiononlyinemergencieswheretheiruseisnecessarytopreventanimminentthreatofphysicalharm.

TNforbidsrestraintsthatimpedebreathing.Itforbidsmechanical&chemicalrestraints. Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. TNdoesnotrequirethatlessrestrictive,lessdangerousmethodsbeusedfirstorbe

consideredineffective,orthattheyendwhentheemergencyends.Theseareimportant

limits.Withoutthem,restraint/seclusioncanbeoverused;usedwhenpositivesupports

shouldbeused,andusedforlongerthannecessary,increasingtheriskofinjury.

TNrequiresschoolstomakeagoodfaithefforttonotifyparentsonthesamedaythattheevent

occurs.

Parents

must

receive

afuller

written

report

later.

Statecollectsdataatleastannuallyregardinguseofinterventions.

TEXAS TXhasastatuteandregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsfrombothrestraintand

seclusionforchildrenwithdisabilities.

TX

permits

restraint

to

prevent

serious

property

damage

or

in

emergencies

where

it

is

necessarytopreventanimminentthreatofphysicalharm.Becauseofthedangers

involved,restraintshouldonlybeusedwhenthereisanimminentthreatofphysical

danger See the Kansas section for more information

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TXrequiresthatrestraintendwhentheemergencyends. TXrequiresschoolstomakeagoodfaithefforttonotifyparentsonthesamedaythattheeventoccurs.Parentsmustreceiveafullerwrittenreportlater. Statecollectsdataatleastannuallyregardinguseofpractices.

UTAH UThasnonbinding,suggestedguidelinesapplicabletostudentswithdisabilitiesonly.Such

nonbindingguidelinesarenotstatutes/regulationsanddonotprovidemandatorylegal

protectionsfor

children.

They

are

also

easily

changed,

requiring

neither

alegislative

or

rulemakingprocess.UTregulationsrequireschooldistrictstoconsiderthesuggested

guidelinesbutexplicitlystatethattheydonothavetoapplythem.UTalsohasashort

mandatoryregulationregardingparentalnotice.

UTssuggested,nonbindingguidelinessuggestrestrictingrestraint/seclusiontosituationsthreateningimminentphysicalharmorseriouspropertydestruction.ButUTdoesnot

requirethis.

Nosuggestedbanonrestraintsinterferingwithbreathing,oronmechanicalorchemicalrestraint.Thesearehighlydangerousrestraints. Recommendsagainstusingrestraint/seclusionunlesslessrestrictive,lessdangerous

interventionshavefailed/wouldbeineffective.Butthereisnomandatoryrequirement.

Parentsmustbenotifiedwithin1calendardayor24hours,perregulation.

VIRGINIA VAhasonlynonbinding,voluntaryguidelinessuggestedfortostudentswithdisabilities

only.Suchnonbindingguidelinesarenotstatutes/regulationsanddonotprovide

mandatorylegalprotectionsforchildren.Theyarealsoeasilychanged,requiringneithera

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require24houror1daynotice.Suchpromptnotificationisvitalsothatparentscanseek

needed

medical

care

(including

for

concussions

and

hidden

internal

injuries),

seek

treatmentfortrauma,carefortheirchild,andworkwiththeschooltousebehavioral

supportsthatpreventfurtheruseofrestraint/seclusion.

VERMONT VThasaregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsfrombothrestraintandseclusionforall

children.

VTpermitsrestraintandseclusiononlyinemergencieswheretheiruseisnecessarytopreventanimminentthreatofphysicalharm.

VTforbidsrestraintsthatimpedebreathing.Itforbidsmechanical&chemicalrestraints. Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. Lessrestrictive,lessdangerousmethodsmustbeusedfirstorbeconsideredineffective.

Restraint/seclusionmustendwhentheemergencyends.Theseareimportantlimits.

Withoutthem,restraint/seclusioncanbeoverused;usedwhenpositivesupportsshouldbe

used,and

used

for

longer

than

necessary,

increasing

the

risk

of

injury.

VTrequiresschoolstomakeagoodfaithefforttonotifyparentsonthesamedaythatthe

eventoccurs.Parentsmustreceiveafullerwrittenreportlater.

WASHINGTON WAhasregulationsthatprovidesomeprotectionsforallchildrenandotherprotections

onlyforchildrenwithdisabilities.Theprotectionsaremeaningfulandapplytoboth

restraintand

seclusion.

Forchildrenwithdisabilities,WAallowsrestraintsforthreatsofphysicalharm,propertydestruction,oreducationaldisruption.Seclusionispermittedforanyreason.But,experts

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Lessrestrictive,lessdangerousmethodsshouldbeusedfirstorbeconsideredineffective,before

restraint

and

seclusion

are

used.

Restraintandseclusioncancontinueafteranyemergencyends,eventhoughnooneisat

risk.Thiscanleadtooverusingrestraint/seclusion;andusingrestraint/seclusionforlonger

thannecessary,increasingtheriskofinjuryandharm.

WISCONSIN WIhasastatutewithmeaningfulprotectionsfrombothrestraintandseclusionforall

children.

WIpermitsrestraintandseclusiononlyinemergencieswheretheiruseisnecessarytopreventanimminentthreatofphysicalharm.

WIforbidsrestraintsthatimpedebreathing.Itforbidsmechanical&chemicalrestraints. Staffmustcontinuouslyanddirectlyvisuallyobservechildreninseclusion. Lessrestrictive,lessdangerousmethodsmustbeusedfirstorbeconsideredineffective.

Restraint/seclusionmustendwhentheemergencyends.Theseareimportantlimits.

Withoutthem,

restraint/seclusion

can

be

overused;

used

when

positive

supports

should

be

used,andusedforlongerthannecessary,increasingtheriskofinjury.

WIrequiresschoolstomakeagoodfaithefforttonotifyparentsonthesamedaythattheeventoccurs.Parentsmustreceiveafullerwrittenreportlater.

Parentsmustbenotifiedwithinoneschoolday.

WESTVIRGINIA

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WVhasaregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsfrombothrestraintandseclusionforallchildren.

WVpermitsphysicalrestraintonlyforthreatsofphysicalharmorseriousproperty

destruction.

WVbansrestraintthatinterfereswithbreathingandpronerestraint.WVforbidsmechanicalrestraints;doesnotbanchemicalrestraints.

Seclusionisprohibited;butitisdefinedonlyasremovingchildtounsupervisedspace.Thisisalargeloophole,asitallowsseclusionwithoutanylimitsifthechildis"supervised."

Supervisedcouldbestaffdownthehallorinthesamegeneralvicinity.Thereisno

continuousvisualmonitoringprovision.Moreover,evenifstaffiswatchingthechild

throughawindowornearby,thestatuteallowsseclusionforanyreasonatall,evenifthere

isnoriskofinjury.

Restraintmustendwhentheemergencyends.Thereisnorequirementtouselessrestrictive,lessdangerousinterventionsbeforeusingeitherrestraintorseclusion.These

areimportantlimits.Withoutthem,restraint/seclusioncanbeoverused;usedwhen

positivesupportsshouldbeused,andusedforlongerthannecessary,increasingtheriskof

injury.

WVrequiresa"goodfaith"efforttoverballynotifyparentsonthesamedayastheevent.Awrittenreportmustbemailedwithin1schoolday.

WYOMING WYhasaregulationwithmeaningfulprotectionsfromseclusionforallchildren. WYimposesnolimitonphysicalrestraint.Itcanbeusedforanyreason. WYforbidsrestraintthatinterfereswithbreathingandpronerestraint.WYforbids

mechanicalrestraintbutpermitsdangerouschemicalrestraint.

WY bans locked seclusion It permits seclusion in other rooms from which children cannot

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MAPS

StatesLimitingRestrainttoEmergenciesThreateningPhysicalDanger StatesEitherBanningSeclusionorLimitingittoEmergenciesThreateningPhysical

Danger

StatesRequiringParentstoBeNotifiedofRestraint/SeclusionUse

Amore

complete

set

of

maps

is

available

in

HOWSAFEISTHESCHOOLHOUSE?ANANALYSISOFSTATE

SECLUSIONANDRESTRAINTLAWSANDPOLICIES.Therearealsochartsthatsummarizeinformationfor

manydifferentissues(statesbanningrestraintsthatimpedebreathing,statesbanning

mechanicalrestraint,etc.)