Fall Campaign 2024

Vision: Seclusion and restraint are not needed in schools. Crisis situations are prevented by meeting student needs in trauma-informed, neuroscience aligned, neurodiversity affirming, relationship based, collaborative educational environments.

Campaign Goal: The school boards of Michigan districts with the highest reported numbers of seclusions and restraints during the 2023-24 school year sign a resolution or make a plan to follow Federal Guidance and Michigan Law, adopt equitable approaches, and significantly reduce or eliminate seclusion and restraint in their districts.

Join the Fall Campaign

Fall Campaign Documents

Safe Schools Without Seclusion & Restraint

Seclusion and restraint are outdated interventions that came from a time when much less was understood about the developing brain, the neuroscience of behavior, trauma, and before current, more effective, and safer systems of helping children work through difficult emotions were developed. Using seclusion and restraint is harmful to students’ mental health and it makes schools less safe both for students and for educators, especially when these tactics are used repeatedly and when state laws and federal guidance are not followed.

A Better Way

2023-24 School Year

Michigan Data

We have chosen to work with Genesee ISD Schools because they reported they highest total seclusions and restraints in the most recent available data:

5.5 times per school day on average

478 Seclusions & 507 Restraints

985 Total used in just 1 school year

on 70 Students with Disabilities

Michigan Schools

School Board Packet

EndSaR is asking that school boards provide meaningful oversight to all schools in their district to ensure that they are following Federal Guidance and Michigan Law pertaining to seclusion and restraint, that the adopt equitable approaches, and significantly reduce or eliminate seclusion and restraint in their districts.

Individual Student Experience 2023-24 SY.png

2023-24 School Year

Alarming Rate

Michigan students are experiencing seclusion & restraint at alarming rates despite Michigan laws meant to reduce and eliminate their use. Measures in the law were meant to prevent multiple use on a student, yet the individual student experience remains high.

7.5 times each statewide average

58 times per year at the highest

2024-24 School Year

Seclusion

We have found no trauma-informed approaches that condone the use of seclusion which is a form of solitary confinement, depriving children of connection and co-regulation when they need it the most. Survivors report feelings of terror and trauma, studies point to increased risk of suicide and aggression.

11,780 times last year alone

Follow the law!!!

Resolution

We want student needs to be met so that they are not pushed to the point of meltdown which can result in seclusion or restraint. There are measures in state law & federal guidance to better meet student needs, but they aren't being followed. Simply following the law would be a good start.

School Board Resolution

Seclusion & Restraint Reduction Plan Guide.png

Make a plan

Planning Guide

This Seclusion and Restraint Reduction Plan Guide was created for schools to use as a tool. Schools are welcome to use it as an example, modifying it to meet their specific needs. Every school in Michigan that is using seclusion and restraint should have a plan to reduce and eliminate it.

Editable Planning Guide

Join the Fall Campaign

Get Involved

Are you interested in getting more involved in creating safe schools without seclusion and restraint? Here are a few ideas: