On the recordFebruary 24, 2014
I come to the floor today to introduce a bill to support teachers, paraprofessionals and especially students, students with challenging behaviors. Last week I released a report titled ``Dangerous Use of Seclusion and Restraints in Schools Remains Widespread and Difficult To Remedy: Ten Case Studies.'' This report is the product of a 6-month investigation by my HELP Committee staff The report highlights the continued use of seclusion and restraints in schools, the lack of information families have about these practices, and the inability, in many cases, of families to stop the use of them on their children. We found that in many cases, families may not know their children are being secluded and restrained. In some cases children are being secluded and restrained for months at a time, multiple times a day, sometimes for many hours, all without the knowledge of their families. We also found that families do not have the tools to stop these practices. Provisions of some of our education laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, prohibit families from seeking redress and relief from the use of seclusion and restraints with their children unless they exhaust their due process options, which can take months or even years. This often leaves families with no choice but to remove their children from school in order to protect them.…
