Seclusion and Restraint are dangerous and traumatic practices that do not improve behavior, in fact they deteriorate relationships and can lead to an increase in extreme behavior. Yet they were used over 21,770 times in Michigan schools last year (2023-24) alone.  A vast majority (93%) of the reported seclusions and restraints are used on students with disabilities who make up only about 14% of the student population.

Elected officials have the power to change laws and provide funding and oversight that would result in healthier and safer conditions for students and staff in schools, including the prevention of crisis situations that tend to lead to seclusion and restraint.  All adults who work with children in schools deserve access to the training and resources required to implement healthier, safer approaches and put an end to the use of involuntary seclusion and the of unnecessary, full, or extended restraint of children in Michigan schools.