Unlawful Restraints/Seclusion

Restraint and seclusion are practices used in schools as a response to student behavior that limits their movement and aims to de-escalate them, by either physically limiting their movement (restraint) or isolating them from others (seclusion). It is highly disturbing to discover that your child has been restrained or placed in seclusion. The law requires that restraints are only used as a method of last resort when a student is posing a safety threat to themselves or others. The law requires that school districts use positive measures to respond to challenging behaviors and implement a positive behavioral support plan if warranted. Behavior support plans must include research-based practices that increase a student’s opportunity for learning. Staff administering the plan must be trained in how to implement the plan. Disturbingly, restraints and seclusion are sometimes used unlawfully and can result in trauma or physical injury. If your child has suffered from restraints or seclusion, I can help to protect your child, create a plan, and assert remedies.