End Seclusion and Restraint - New Jersey
Resources for if you are in crisis
Are you concerned about your child experiencing restraint or seclusion, or have you been notified that such techniques are being used? If so, are you wondering what your next steps should be?
Let us guide you through this process.
Important Steps:
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Ask your child about what happened (Give them the opportunity to explain what happened in their own words).
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Immediately contact the school to request that a meeting take place to debrief and request that any video of the incident be preserved.
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Contact a private attorney experienced in DCPP (Division of Child Protection and Permanency) or Special Education matters.
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Visit your child's PCP and/or mental health professional to have them examined.
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Notify your school district’s Director of Special Services about the incident (The school may not inform them).
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When meeting with the school, ask to see the space your child was secluded in or the restraint technique that was used.
Tips:
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Look for signs of abuse (bruising, hand prints, etc.) and document it using pictures or video.
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Look for signs of trauma in your child (School avoidance, Sudden/Increased self injurious behavior, Aggression or fear of school staff, etc.)
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Take notes or record your child's recounting of events.
- New Jersey statute states that a parent or guardian must be notified “immediately” when a student is physically restrained, including by telephone or electronic communication, and should receive a full written report of the incident within 48 hours.
- When a seclusion technique is used on a student, most school districts have a policy that parents or guardians be notified "as soon as possible."
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Record every conversation with the school (NJ is a one party state, meaning you can record without notice).
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Parents of children with IEP or 504 plan can request a meeting at any time (you do not have to wait for your next scheduled or annual meeting).
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Many schools use Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) or Safety Care techniques.
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Speak directly with police.
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Ask the type of restraint or seclusion technique that was used.
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Ask how long the restraint or seclusion lasted.
Resources:
RWJ Barnabas Health - Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace Newark, NJ 07112
PHONE: 973-753-1180
The CARES Institute has two locations to service our community.
STRATFORD: 42 E. Laurel Road, Suites 1100 & 1200
VINELAND: 3360 College Drive, Suite B
PHONE: 856-566-7036
NJ Children's Alliance
New Jersey Children’s Alliance, Inc. (NJCA) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting hope, healing, and justice for child abuse victims.
PHONE: 877-NJ-ABUSE (877-652-2873)
EMAIL: info@njcainc.org
