Back in May, we blogged about a possible federal ban on seclusion and restraint in schools. (See that post, which includes a lot of information about why this initiative is important, by clicking here.)
We are thrilled to see that changing regulations related to seclusion and restraint is getting both federal and state attention.
In fact, in Think:Kids’ home state of Massachusetts, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is proposing changes to state regulations related to seclusion and restraint. And the Department of Education (DOE) wants to hear what you think.
This process couldn’t be easier: Take a look at the regulations on this page; you can see a version with proposed edits included. Then e-mail comments (including simple comments of support for the changes) to: restraintcomment@doe.mass.edu.
Move quickly- The deadline for submission of public comment is Monday, November 3, 2014.
Please send your comments, then spread the word to student advocates, friends, and family members through social media. Let them know that restraint and seclusion are ineffective for solving problems durably, and can be traumatic and physically harmful to children. Encourage others to send in their comments to support and strengthen the proposed regulations too. Together we can make a difference!
