TAKE ACTION TO END THE CRIMINALIZATION OF CONCERNING BEHAVIOR IN SCHOOLS AND TO HELP KIDS GET THE HELP THEY REALLY NEED

SB 458 / SA 1 aims to reduce the use of physical restraint and isolated time out within school districts, non-public special education schools, and special education cooperatives. SB 458 / SA 1 would extend the requirement for schools to submit reduction plans and yearly progress reports to the State Board of Education for a period of seven years. Schools would also be required to reduce the number of incidents of restraint and seclusion by 10% for each of those seven years. The Illinois State Board of Education would be required to investigate all complaints regarding the use of these practices in accordance with the time frames required for Illinois Department of Public Health investigations. The State Board of Education would be required to establish and maintain a grant program to assist schools in implementing evidence-based practices aimed at systematically reducing restraint and isolated time outs and enhancing training requirements. Increasing evidence shows that restraint and seclusion are ineffective and cause significant emotional and physical harm. Send an email to your state legislators now to let them know where you stand on this issue! Personalizing the message increases its impact.