Restraint and seclusion in public schools has become a national issue this year (see: http://terrifyingdiscipline.weebly.com/index.html). Children with post traumatic stress and autism spectrum disorders often have behaviors which put them at risk of restraint and seclusion. Through a collaborative process, Maine updated their regulations (called Rule 33) on restraint and seclusion in 2012. The new regulations greatly reduce the use of restraint and seclusion and ensure effective follow up and monitoring.
Some Maine school administrators and legislators have recently objected to the new rules. The issue may go to the Maine legislature in January and February, 2013. We need to increase training on the new regulations and support the implementation of Positive Behavioral Support and Trauma Informed Care, not roll back the regulations.
Links to news reports on this issue are available here: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/PAPPI#Maine_News
A sample letter to Maine state legislators is available here: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Sample_Maine_e-mail
I ask that everyone reach out to people in Maine and have them contact their legislators on this issue. I'm also looking for parents and professionals to work on reducing the use of restraint and seclusion in Maine and elsewhere. If you have 30 minutes per month to work on this, please contact me via ACE Connections or e-mail at gregsmithpm@gmail.com.
Thanks,
Greg Smith, Newton, MA
PS I'm thrilled to participate in ACE Connections overall. Congratulations on forming this important organization.
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