Article Details

State Board Moves Closer to Establishing Seclusion and Restraint Guidelines

TOPEKA, February 14, 2007 / The State Board of Education moved a step closer to establishing guidelines on the seclusion and restraint of Kansas students with disabilities.

During its regular meeting Wednesday, the Board directed the Kansas State Department of Education staff to develop guidelines which provide programming for children with disabilities who have challenging behavior. The guidelines will include the use of positive behavior supports and the appropriate use of seclusion rooms and restraint.  The action came a day after parents, educators and special education experts testified about some seclusion and restraint practices used in Kansas and other states.

“We heard testimony from a number of people and we believe it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed with consistent guidelines for the entire state,” said Carol Rupe, the Board’s vice chairman. “We will monitor these guidelines to see that they are followed."

The Board also directed education department staff to coordinate with the State Special Education Advisory Council to monitor, annually, the use of seclusion and restraint and to report to the Board.

# # #