Restraint and Seclusion
All children need to be safe at school. In some schools, children with disabilities are secluded in rooms by themselves away from their classmates or physically restrained.
Disability Rights Oregon advocates to limit the use of these dangerous tactics on students. This investigative report highlights the scope of the problem and the lasting consequences on children.
Regulating Restraint and Seclusion in Oregon
Our advocacy prompted the passage of HB 2939 in 2011. This was a groundbreaking law that legislated—for the first time—the use of restraint and seclusion in Oregon schools by requiring planning, training, and greater parental involvement.
Schools can use physical restraints when
A student’s behavior poses a reasonable threat of imminent, substantial bodily injury to self or others and
When less restrictive interventions would not be effective
Schools can use seclusion when
A student’s behavior poses a reasonable threat of imminent serious bodily injury to self or others and
When less restrictive interventions would not be effective
These tactics may not be used for purposes of
discipline
punishment
The convenience of staff
Disability Rights Oregon’s advocacy was a driving force behind 2013 legislation (HB 2585) which:
Established standards for seclusion rooms
Provided parents and community members with a process to submit a complaint if a violation of the restraint and seclusion law occurred
Required each school district to submit an annual report on the use of restraint and seclusion in their district to the Oregon Department of Education