This bill revises how restraint and seclusion are handled in public schools, establishing a new law specifically for local education providers (such as school districts or charter schools), separate from the broader Protection of Individuals from Restraint and Seclusion Act. Here’s a summary of its key provisions:
Prohibition on Restraint and Seclusion:
Restraint and seclusion are generally prohibited, except in specific situations that are allowed by the law.
Training Requirements:
Schools must train their employees and agents (such as teachers and staff) on the proper use of restraint and seclusion, ensuring that these methods are only applied when absolutely necessary and in a controlled manner.
Documentation and Notification:
Schools are required to document every instance of restraint or seclusion, and they must notify the student’s family about certain situations where these methods are used.
The bill aims to limit the use of restraint and seclusion in schools, ensuring that these practices are only used in limited circumstances. It also ensures that school staff are properly trained, and that families are informed if their child is subject to these practices. This reflects a shift toward more student-centered care and accountability in how restraint and seclusion are managed in the educational setting.
Summary
Under current law, the Protection of Individuals from Restraint
and Seclusion Act contains parameters concerning exceptions for the use of restraint and seclusion for various agencies, including for public schools.
The bill removes public schools from the Protection of
Individuals from Restraint and Seclusion Act and creates the Protection of Students from Restraint and Seclusion Act that is specific to local education providers.
The bill: •
Prohibits restraint and seclusion, except as provided;
•
Requires a local education provider that uses restraint or seclusion to train its employees and agents; and
•
Requires a local education provider to document instances of restraint or seclusion and notify the student's family of certain instances of restraint or seclusion.
