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Letter to Chairman Christopher J. Dodd, Chairman George Miller, and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers

December 8, 2009

I appreciate your efforts to develop legislation to limit the  use of physical restraint and seclusion in schools and other educational  settings that receive Federal funds, except when it is necessary to protect a  child or others from imminent danger.  I applaud  your interest in addressing this very serious issue -- as you well know, abuse  of restraint and seclusion has resulted not only in harm to children, but in their  death.  The Department of Education has identified  a number of principles listed below that we believe would be useful for  Congress to consider in the context of any legislation on this issue.  These principles are that:

| | Any  behavioral intervention must be consistent with the child’s right to be treated  with dignity and to be free from abuse, regardless of the child’s educational  needs or behavioral challenges.
      Physical  restraint and seclusion should never be used as punishment or discipline, nor in  a manner that restricts a child’s breathing.
      Every  instance of physical restraint and seclusion should be appropriately monitored  to ensure the safety of the child, other children, teachers, and other  personnel.
      Teachers and other personnel should be trained  regularly on the appropriate use of restraint and seclusion and the use of  effective alternatives, such as positive behavioral intervention and supports.
      Parents should be informed  of the policies on restraint and seclusion at their child’s school or other educational  setting, as well as applicable State or local laws.
      Parents  should be notified promptly following the use of restraint or seclusion  on their child, and any such use should be documented in writing.
      Policies  regarding the use of restraint and seclusion should be reviewed regularly and  updated as appropriate.
      Legislation should apply to all children,  not just children with disabilities.
      Legislation  should promote the collection of data that would enable teachers, staff, and  other educational personnel to understand and implement the preceding  principles.
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Again, I greatly appreciate your leadership on this  important issue and look forward to continuing to work with you to address it.  As you know, the Department is reviewing information  about each State’s laws, regulations, policies, and guidance on restraint and  seclusion, which I will provide to you and make publicly available as soon as  possible.  The Office of Management and  Budget advises that there is no objection to the submission of this letter from  the standpoint of the Administration's program.   If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

| | Sincerely, 
| | -----------
| | /s/        
| | Arne Duncan