Autism Commission approves preliminary legislation on restraint and seclusion

Family Voices Indiana shares the following information from The Arc of Indiana regarding proposed legislation on restraint and seclusion:

The Indiana Commission on Autism has approved preliminary draft legislation regarding the use of seclusion and restraints in Indiana schools. 

Indiana is 1 of only 19 states that do not have a law protecting children from seclusion and restraint in schools. The Arc of Indiana is proud to be working with the Autism Society of Indiana, NAMI and a key group of parents and professionals that care about this issue and want to see legislation passed in the next legislative session. 

If approved, the legislation would:   

• Require all students be treated with dignity and respect
• Require school corporations to develop a policy and have it approved by their governing body
• Require training of appropriate school employees
• Require parental notification in a reasonable time frame 

The draft also includes numerous definitions important to these issues. Several key components will be added to the bill after it is introduced.