The U.S. House approved legislation (HR 4247) on March 3rd by a vote of  262-153, that for the first time would establish federal standards to regulate the uses of seclusion and restraint techniques in schools. Similar legislation now awaits a vote by the Senate.

 

In his July 31, 2009 letter, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan informed the Chief State School Officers that the Department’s regional Comprehensive Centers would be conducting research on each state’s laws, regulations, guidance and policies regarding the use of seclusion and restraints in schools.

 

A copy of that report can be found below: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/seclusion/summary-by-state.pdf