Michigan Advocates to End Seclusion and Restraint
Seclusion and Restraint are used on the most vulnerable children in our school systems tens of thousands of times every school year in Michigan and yet their devastating impacts remain largely unknown to the educators who are implementing them.
This mini-documentary seeks to increase the understanding of the harm that is caused by seclusion and restraint by sharing perspectives from child and adult victims, parents, educators, advocates, a psychologist, and a social worker, who are familiar with their life-long impacts.
Collaboration
End the Harm: Restraint and Seclusion in Michigan schools was created in collaboration between EndSaR and Lives in the Balance.
Lives in the Balance is the home of Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS). Created by Dr. Ross Greene, CPS is an evidence based practice that has been proven to reduce and eliminate seclusion and restraint through true crisis prevention by working collaboratively with children to solve problems and teach skills.
"It shouldn't even exist that there's a space for that to happen."
- Alexis Boyden, Educational Consultant - Creative Advocacy Solutions
Alexis Boyden
Educational Consultant - Creative Advocacy Solutions for Education, LLC
Alexis Boyden uses her 24 years of experience in education as a special education teacher, school leader, and family advocate supporting inclusive programming in public schools. Her consulting business, Creative Advocacy Solutions for Education, LLC helps families and schools navigate the challenges of meeting students’ needs in the classroom, while being an Inclusion Coach provides her with the opportunity to empower educators across the country who share her passion for rethinking education and creating inclusive communities in which all students thrive. Alexis also teaches pre-service teachers at Grand Valley State University and lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband and two young adult children.
Sunday Koffron Taylor
EndSaR Co-Founder, Foster Care Alumni, Youth Advocate
Sunday Koffron Taylor is a lifelong advocate for children and youth impacted by the foster care and education systems. As dyslexic and a former ward of the state, she experienced seclusion and restraint beginning in elementary school and throughout her time in state care, shaping her lifelong commitment to creating safer, more supportive environments for children.
Her passion for advocacy began early with SOSAD (Save Our Sons and Daughters), a Detroit-based organization formed to combat gun violence in schools. Over the years, she has been recognized for her leadership and service, including receiving the Gerald Levin Champions for Children Award in 2015. A founding member of Foster Care Alumni of America, she has also served as a board member of Farmington Youth Assistance since 2010, supporting local children and families.
Through her lived experience and tireless advocacy, Sunday continues to challenge harmful practices and fight for systemic change that uplifts and protects children.
"It was really, really uncomfortable and really, really awful."
- Child who was secluded & restrained in kindergarten & 1st grade
Cassie Atallah
EndSaR Co-Founder & Co-Leader, Educator, Parent
Cassie Atallah is a Trauma Informed Changemaker, with 10 years of teaching experience and 12 years of parenting experience who has dedicated much of her time to learning about behavioral neuroscience, developmental trauma, and healthy, equitable approaches to extreme behavior. She is a co-founder and co-leader of EndSaR (Michigan Advocates to End Seclusion and Restraint) and EndSaR-NJ (End Seclusion and Restraint New Jersey), two organizations dedicated to creating safe schools without seclusion and restraint by finding creative ways to meet student needs in order to prevent meltdowns. Cassie is also a Heart-Strong Changemakers for Children Certified instructor and coach.
"It's just bad, dangerous practice."
- Jerbina Sturdivant - Parent, EndSaR co-founder & co-leader
