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8/22/2019 My State Restraint Seclusion Laws
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MYSTATESSECLUSION&RESTRAINTLAWS
BRIEF
SUMMARIES
OF
STATE
SECLUSION
AND
RESTRAINT
LAWS
AND
POLICIES
Author:JessicaButler
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
http://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfmailto:[email protected]://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdf -
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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
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.copaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/UnsafeCOPAAMay_27_2009.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDFhttp://www.autcom.org/PDF/HOWSAFESCHOOLHOUSE.PDF -
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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
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09719t.pdfhttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09719t.pdfhttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09719t.pdfhttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09719t.pdfhttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09719t.pdfhttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09719t.pdf -
8/22/2019 My State Restraint Seclusion Laws
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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)
http://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdf -
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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
CopyrightInformation
Pleaseseepageiiforimportantcopyrightinformationaboutthesestatebystatesummaries.
Pageiiexplainshowpeoplecanusereasonable,limited,andfairamountsofthisinformationin
their own documents blogs and web pages Page ii also explains the copyright restrictions on
http://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.autcom.org/http://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdf -
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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.
http://www.education.ne.gov/documents/Restraint-Seclusion_final_guidance_document_6-22-10.pdfhttp://www.education.ne.gov/documents/Restraint-Seclusion_final_guidance_document_6-22-10.pdfhttp://www.education.ne.gov/documents/Restraint-Seclusion_final_guidance_document_6-22-10.pdfhttp://www.education.ne.gov/documents/Restraint-Seclusion_final_guidance_document_6-22-10.pdfhttp://www.education.ne.gov/documents/Restraint-Seclusion_final_guidance_document_6-22-10.pdfhttp://www.education.ne.gov/documents/Restraint-Seclusion_final_guidance_document_6-22-10.pdfhttp://www.education.ne.gov/documents/Restraint-Seclusion_final_guidance_document_6-22-10.pdfhttp://www.education.ne.gov/documents/Restraint-Seclusion_final_guidance_document_6-22-10.pdf -
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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.)
http://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSchoolhouse.pdfhttp://www.autcom.org/pdf/HowSafeSch