Group pushes state law on seclusion in classroom

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indiana is one of 19 states that does not have a seclusion and restraint law for school districts and corporations.

Just last month, a Pike Township mother told 24-Hour-News 8 her son was locked in a closet at school by his teacher. Arc of Indiana, a group that fights for children with disabilities, drafted a proposal with State Senator Randy Head. The group adds they are receiving calls monthly from parents frustrated that their children have been placed in seclusion or restrained.

Under the proposal, it would create statewide definitions on seclusion and restraint, it would require schools to notify parents if their child was secluded or restrained, and lastly create training and reporting for teachers and administrators.

“We feel strongly that Indiana needs to require a policy on seclusion and restraints in schools,” said Kim Dodson with ARC of Indiana. 

Currently Indiana only recommends a seclusion and restraint policy for school districts and corporations. It appears that some districts have not been receptive to this latest proposal.

“They haven’t been so far I understand some of their concerns,” said Dodson.

We placed calls into local school districts and the Indiana Department of Education to get their take on the proposal. We did not receive a call back