End Seclusion and Restraint - New Jersey
Parents & Guardians
Empowering Parents
Navigating the complexity of being a parent or guardian to a child whose behaviors don't align with a school's expectations can certainly feel exhausting. What works for one child, may not work for another. You're not alone in this journey, and it is vital to approach these situation with a blend of understanding, patience and proactive measures. With the right support and strategies, you can help your child thrive both academically and personally.
Helpful Links - Parents & Guardians
If you are concerned about your child being secluded or restrained, first express your concerns to the school. If you believe that seclusion or restraint have been use inappropriately with your child, if it is happening repeatedly, or if you are not happy with the way the school is working to resolve the issues through an EIP (Early Intervention Plan), PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention , or other preventing strategies, there are organizations that can help.
Legal Resources
NJ Department of Education Parents Rights
https://nj.gov/education/specialed/parents/ParentalRightsinSpecialEducation2023.pdf
New Jersey Administrative code for special education (N.J.A.C. 6A:14) and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) are laws that ensure children with disabilities receive a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. An important part of these laws provides parents with the right to participate in their children’s education.
Disability Rights New Jersey: NJ's Designated Protection and Advocay Agency
https://disabilityrightsnj.org
Advancing the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities and promote their self- determination and integration in all facets of community life.
National Disability Rights Network
The nation’s largest providers of legal advocacy services for people with disabilities.
Professional Resources
Maria Pitale PsyD
Licensed Pennsylvania Psychologist, Certified School Psychologist, PDA NA Certification Levels 1 and 2, Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, Trauma-Focused CBT and Declarative Language
Maria Sanders LSW
https://mariasandersparentcoach.com/
Licensed Social Worker and Certified Trainer in
Collaborative Problem Solving® with over two decades of professional expertise and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University.
Advocacy Resources
NJ Statewide Parent to Parent (NJP2P)
Giving families the skills and support they need to help their children with disabilities reach their full potential and to help them feel less isolated and more confident about themselves.
The Arc of New Jersey
The Arc of New Jersey is the state's largest organization advocating for and serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Include NJ
IncludeNJ’s supports parents, guardians, caregivers, and families in advocating for inclusion, equity, and belonging in education for students with disabilities ages 3 to 21.
NJCDD
The NJCDD is committed to advancing public policy and systems change that helps people with developmental disabilities gain more control over their lives.
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