Michigan Advocates to End Seclusion and Restraint
Parents & Guardians
It's really tough...
It can be confusing, difficult, and scary to be the parent or guardian of a child whose behaviors do not fall within the school's expectations. We created a parent guide to help inform parents of the risks associated with seclusion and restraint with the hope that this information might help.
Feeling understood can help...
The EndSaR Seclusion & Restraint support group is for adults with lived experience of unhelpful disciplinary tactics, including seclusion and restraint, either as a parent or personally as a child. Our support group meets on the 3rd or 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm.
2026 Meeting Dates:
RSVP to a Monthly Support Group
No events at the moment
Each monthly support group meeting has a different Zoom link, so you need to RSVP separately to each meeting that you would like to attend. Support groups are facilitated by an EndSaR member with personal lived experience as a parent or self-advocate. In keeping with the spirit of peer support, the group will be cancelled if there are fewer than 2 participants.
Helpful Organizations
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, PBIS, or other preventing strategies, there are organizations that can help.
Michigan Alliance for Families
If your child receives special education services, then Michigan Alliance for Families can help. If you fill out the contact form, you can be connected with a regional parent mentor.
michiganallianceforfamilies.org/contact-us/
Phone: 1-800-552-4821
Español: (313) 217-1060
Disability Rights Michigan
If your child has a disability, then Disability Rights Michigan can help. If you fill out the "Request Help" form, you should get a call back on the next day or two.
Phone: (800) 288-5923
Michigan Department of Civil Rights
You can file a complaint with Michigan Department of Civil Rights. A representative will contact you to answer your questions, determine if the complaint will be taken, or discucss alternatives.
dtmb.state.mi.us/MDCRRequestforService/RequestComplaint
Grand Rapids: (616) 356-0380
TTY: (313) 437-7035
