Adam Thompson

Restraint and seclusion policies affect vulnerable children in our schools, particularly students with disabilities and those who may be nonverbal or or otherwise unable to advocate for themselves in the moment. For that reason, any change in law must be approached with extreme care and a clear understanding of the real risks involved. There is a place for crisis intervention when there is an immediate threat of serious physical harm. But expanding authority without strengthening safeguards risks increasing trauma, reducing transparency, and undermining trust between families and schools. If the legislature is considering changes in this area, they should be paired with strong guardrails, such as but not limited to a clear imminent harm standard, timely parent notification, consistent documentation, staff training in deescalation and trauma informed practices, and transparent public reporting. These measures protect students while also supporting educators who are navigating genuinely difficult situations. The laws governing restraint and seclusion exist because of documented harm when these practices are misused. Any revisions should move us toward greater safety and accountability.