The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, LaTEACH, and thousands of parents across Louisiana are very appreciative of Senator Jack Donahue’s efforts in championing Senate Bill 59 (Act 328 of 2011).
In July, 2011, Governor Jindal signed Act 328 to regulate the use of restraint and seclusion for students with disabilities in schools. Parents said their highest priority was for schools to notify them whenever their child is restrained or secluded. Many parents testified that they discovered their child was being restrained by someone speaking off the record out in the community or by walking into their child’s classroom or bus and realizing the common practice of strapping their child into a chair. Act 328 requires school systems to notify parents whenever their child is restrained or placed in seclusion.
In passing Act 328, Louisiana joins 28 other states with policies governing the use of restraint or seclusion in schools and provides Louisiana students with some of the same protections already afforded people in hospitals, nursing homes, community and group homes, mental health facilities, even prisons.
Next steps will involve the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) creating rules to align with provisions in Act 328. The bill requires the governing authority of each public elementary and secondary school to adopt written guidelines and procedures regarding the appropriate use of restrains and seclusion. These guidelines shall include:
- Reporting requirements
- Notification requirements
- Physical restraint training
Handle With Care provides training that meets Louisiana’s requirements on restraint and seclusion.
HWC provides training to schools across the country and Louisiana in behavior management, behavioral supports and least restrictive intervention training through our basic and “train-the-trainer” Instructor Certification Program.
See HWC’s schedule for training in Louisiana. We also provide on-site training.
For additional information about HWC training contact us at [email protected] or Joy at (845) 255-4031.