Today is the day to get your comments in!! There are no laws or regulations for the use of restraints or seclusion in Virginia’s public schools. Many school divisions have adopted the Virginia School Boards Association’s (VSBA) Policy on restraints and seclusion. This policy is woefully inadequate and offers no protection for students or their parents. For example, it does not meet the minimum standards summarized in the 2009 Virginia Department of Education Guidelines. Nor is it aligned with the 15 Principles from the federal Department of Education. The VSBA policy permits the use of physical and mechanical restraints and seclusion in a variety of situations, including in situations involving only the risk of property destruction. It also implicitly permits prone restraint, one of the most dangerous school practices, as the student is placed face down and is physically prevented from moving from the position. This policy does not emphasize positive behavior supports or strategies. It allows school divisions to notify parents within 15 school days of a restraint incident or a physical injury occurring in the seclusion room. Any necessary medical attention may be delayed, particularly in the case of concussion. The policy does not adequately address specialized training and includes no complaint mechanism for parents or students to use if they feel that a restraint or seclusion was improperly implemented. The Commission on Youth needs to hear from you now! Please urge them to support Recommendation B1: Legislation requiring that the Board of Education create regulations consistent with the U.S. Department of Education’s 15 principles. This would impose strict limits on the use of restraint and seclusion. Please support Recommendation B1! REMINDER: The Virginia Commission on Youth is studying the issue of Virginia public schools’ use of Restraint and Seclusion. Input from people who care about keeping children safe is needed ASAP! Public comment closes on October 13, 2014. Recommend that the Commission on Youth support Recommendation B1! Recommendation BI: Introduce legislation requiring the Board of Education to promulgate regulations on the use of seclusion and restraint in Virginia’s public schools. These regulations will be consistent with the 2009 DOE Guidelines and the U.S. DOE 15 Principles on Seclusion & Restraint and address definitions, criteria for use, restrictions for use, training, notification requirements, reporting, and follow-up. dLCV encourages students with disabilities, families, advocates, and concerned citizens to submit comments echoing dLCV’s concerns about restraints and seclusion in Virginia’s public schools. Please share your stories of your experiences with restraints and seclusion and why they should be regulated. The Commission on Youth must receive your public comments by 5 P.M. on Monday, October 13, 2014. Public comments received by this deadline will be provided to the Commission on Youth for consideration at its October 20, 2014 meeting. Comments may be submitted by: 1. Email Amy Atkinson, Commission on Youth: at [email protected]; 2. Facsimile at (804) 371-0574; or 3. Hand delivery or U.S. Mail to: The Commission on Youth General Assembly Building, Suite 269 Richmond, VA 23219
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 09:00:01 +0000
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