1. Working Together to Reduce Seclusion and Restraint in Schools and Youth Facilities Howard Trachtman, Boston Resource Center Howard@BostonResourceCenter.org (781) 642-0368 Curt Decker, National Disability Rights Network Washington D.C. Leslie Morrison, Disability Rights California Oakland, CA

2. Introduction Who’s who? Howard Trachtman, CPS – NAMI Consumer Council, Restraint & Seclusion Committee Chair Leslie Morrison – Director, Abuse Division of CA P&A Curt Decker - Executive Director, NDRN Purpose Importance of reducing restraint and seclusion Recent focus on practices in schools Particular risk to children Necessity for NAMI and state protection and advocacy agencies to work together Create informed outrage

3. Scope of the Problem Dangers of restraint and seclusion o Physical injury & death o Lasting psychological harm o Detriment to learning o Pipeline to juvenile hall Public Positions & Reports ◦ NAMI position statement ◦ CA NAMI position statement ◦ NDRN’s report: “School is Not Supposed to Hurt” ◦ Disability Rights California reports:  “Restraint & Seclusion in California Schools: A Failing Grade”  The Lethal Hazard of Prone Restraint: Positional Asphyxiation” Recent Activities ◦ GAO Report ◦ Congressional Hearings ◦ White House Meeting ◦ P&A Activities ◦ SAMHSA issue brief

4. Current laws Federal Law ◦ Children’s Health Act ◦ CMS Conditions of Participation for Hospitals ◦ IDEA Patchwork of state laws ◦ NDRN Report California law ◦ Regulations on assessment and behavior planning ◦ Silent on use of restraint and seclusion

5. The California Experience Recent school investigations ◦ 15 cases to date Educational Advocacy ◦ Working with Directors of Special Education ◦ Training School Districts ◦ Working with stakeholders Legislative Advocacy ◦ Senate Bill 1515 ◦ Assembly Bill 1538 Working jointly – CA NAMI and CA P&A

6. What can we do? NAMI, NDRN & state protection and advocacy agencies working together Legislative efforts Policy statements Educational advocacy Investigations Press coverage