Regan Lamphier

This bill is dangerous for the children of our state. My son was nonverbal and was at a far greater risk of being restrained than children without disabilities. There are documented incidences of children who have died due to being restrained incorrectly. Imagine the trauma to any child, and then consider the trauma of a child who is non-verbal and might not understand why he is being restrained, and cannot tell anyone how he has been treated. Restraining and secluding a child should be done only when there is reasonable fear of severe bodily harm. Communication between school staff and parent/guardian should be immediate. Parents need to know what has happened so they can help ensure that whatever led to the restraint and seclusion can be avoided in the future. I am actually quite shocked that this bill was even filed at the State House. It seems odd that those who talk about parental rights so often, suddenly feel that it is permissible for school officials to restrain or seclude a child without transparency or accountability. The laws around restraint and seclusion are in place for a reason. Please do not change these laws without researching the harsh reality of how harmful restraint and seclusion can be to any child, and to a child with disabilities in particular. Please vote this bill ITL.