U.S. Dept Of Education Makes Public State-By-State Restraint & Seclusion Information

U.S. Department of Education
Office of Communications & Outreach, Press Office
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202

FOR RELEASE

Feb. 24, 2010

Contact: Sandra Abrevaya
(202) 401-1576 or press@ed.gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MAKES PUBLIC STATE-BY-STATE RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION INFORMATION

Today, the Department posted a summary of state laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines regarding the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in schools: http://www.ed.gov/policy/seclusion/seclusion-state-summary.html. The summary is a result of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s letter issued to Chief State School Officers on July 31, 2009, urging a review of current state policies and guidelines regarding the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. Since August, the Department’s regional Comprehensive Centers have researched and compiled information on state-by-state restraint and seclusion techniques.

“Restraint and seclusion policies should be reviewed regularly to prevent the abuse of such techniques and ensure that schools provide a safe learning environment for all of our children,” said Duncan. “I am pleased that many states and territories have begun to work with their stakeholders to develop or revise current practices. The Department will continue to serve as a resource throughout the process to ensure that all students are safe and protected.”

Each Chief State School Officer or a representative of the Chief State School Officer reviewed and verified the information gathered.

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