Schools should only use restraint and seclusion on students in extreme situations. They shouldn't be used as everyday punishments for minor infractions. A school district in North Carolina, however, seems to have gotten carried away with restraining and secluding students, resorting to either one or the other more than 800 times in the span of six months.

If you feel your child has been unjustly punished at school, or that their rights are being trampled on, call our Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 or submit your information on our contact form. We want to help you guarantee your child's right to a fair education and prevent them from receiving extreme or unwarranted punishments.

Wake County Schools Restrained or Secluded Students 864 Times in 6 Months

In data presented by the Wake County school system at the end of February 2024, the district acknowledges that it failed to report hundreds of counts of restraint and seclusion used on students. The report counts 864 incidents of restraint or seclusion used on 240 students between July and December 2023. North Carolina school districts are required to report restraint and seclusion to the state Department of Public Instruction and the U.S. Department of Education.

Wake County Schools only started digging into the missing data when forced to, as part of a settlement with a family whose disabled daughter was locked in a closet 22 times. Many of the students who were restrained or secluded were special-needs students with identified disabilities.

Using Restraint and Seclusion as Discipline

As a rule, restraining or secluding a child cannot be done solely for disciplinary purposes. There typically must be another reason, like stopping a fight between students or preventing a student from injuring themselves or others. Seclusion is more serious than “time out” as well. Seclusion is completely isolating a child from their peers in a separate, locked room. Time out doesn't isolate children and can be used as a punishment for smaller infractions.

What to Do If Your School Uses Restraint or Seclusion on Your Special Needs Child

As mentioned above, schools must have legitimate reasons for restraining or secluding children. They must also report the incident to state and federal education authorities. If your child comes home from school and mentions being locked in a room by themselves, restrained with zip ties, or something similar, you should intervene. You should contact the school to get the full story and then call the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm.

Our team of attorneys helps children with disabilities and their families stand up for their educational rights. We can help ensure your child is treated fairly at school and doesn't receive unjust punishments due to their disability. Call our firm at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation. You can also send us your information via our online form, and we'll reach out to you.