For many parents of students with disabilities, the terms "restraint" and "seclusion" are sources of deep anxiety. While school districts often frame these practices as safety measures, recent investigations—including a shocking Department of Justice report in Missouri—have exposed how easily they can become tools of systemic abuse and "solitary confinement."

What Are Restraint and Seclusion?

It is vital to distinguish between these two practices and understand that under California law, they should never be used for discipline, coercion, or convenience.

  • Physical Restraint: A personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move their torso, arms, legs, or head freely.
  • Seclusion: The involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving.

The DOJ Missouri Findings: A Warning for All

In early 2026, the Department of Justice found that a single district in Missouri secluded students nearly 4,000 times in just two years. Disturbingly, 91% of students at one school were secluded. The DOJ clarified that these were not emergency responses, but routine reactions to minor behaviors like "being disrespectful" or "disruption."

California Law: AB 2657 and Your Protections

In California, Assembly Bill 2657 strictly limits the use of these techniques. Under state law, an educational provider may use behavioral restraint or seclusion only if a student’s behavior poses an imminent danger of serious physical harm to themselves or others.

Key protections include:

  • Prohibiting "Prone" Restraint: Restraining a student face-down on the ground is dangerous and prohibited in most contexts.
  • Notice to Parents: Schools must notify parents within one business day if restraint or seclusion is used.
  • Right to an IEP Meeting: If a student does not have a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP), the use of restraint or seclusion should trigger an immediate IEP team meeting.

The Danger of "Routine" Use

When restraint and seclusion become routine, it usually signals a failure in the district's assessment process. Instead of managing symptoms through crisis intervention, schools should be identifying the function of the behavior through a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA).

Does Your Child Feel Unsafe at School?

If your district is relying on restraint or seclusion, it's time for an objective, independent look at their behavior support plan.

Get a Behavioral IEE Quote

Why an IEE is Your Best Defense

If you disagree with the school's assessment of your child’s behavior—or if the school refuses to conduct a proper FBA—you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense.

A Behavioral IEE from CAS Evaluations provides:

  • True Independence: Our clinicians have no administrative conflict of interest. We focus solely on what the data says about your child's needs.
  • Expert Recommendations: We don't just point out problems; we provide specific, evidence-based proactive strategies to include in a BIP.
  • Legal Defensibility: Our reports meet all state and federal standards, giving you the leverage needed to demand a safer environment for your child.