Dinniman to Introduce Seclusion Rooms Legislation
Bill Will Ban the Use of Seclusion Rooms in Pennsylvania Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2009

Click here to see NBC 10's story on seclusion rooms at East Goshen Elementary

CONTACT: ADAM CIRUCCI
PHONE: 610-692-2112
acirucci@pasenate.com

State Senator Andy Dinniman announced today that he will propose legislation to ban the use of seclusion rooms in schools throughout Pennsylvania.

“I have been contacted by a number of parents and share their concerns regarding the safety of students in seclusion rooms, the appropriateness and effectiveness of this type of behavior modification and the lack of parental consent and knowledge of its use,” Dinniman said.

After a public outcry from local parents and residents, East Goshen Elementary officials earlier this week announced that they would be closing the school’s two seclusion rooms. The small rooms, which were located in autism support classrooms, were apparently constructed and utilized without parental notification or consent. Pennsylvania Department of Education officials visited the school and are conducting an investigation.

“I was relieved to hear that the two seclusion rooms at East Goshen Elementary have been closed and hope that the same goes for any other seclusion rooms in area schools,” Dinniman said.

Dinniman, who serves as minority chairman of the Senate Education Committee, said that when the state legislature returns to session in June he will introduce a bill that would ban the use of seclusion rooms in Pennsylvania schools.

“To ensure the safety of our children and the rights of their parents, I am drafting legislation that will ban the use of seclusion rooms in any educational setting so that this type of behavior modification is not used in the future,” he said.

While federal law restricts seclusion on children to emergencies only in residential treatment facilities, hospitals and facilities supported by federal funds, state regulations are needed regarding their use in educational settings.

“Recent hearings at the federal level demonstrated the need for new legislation banning the use of seclusion rooms in schools and developing new ways of dealing with emergency situations,” Dinniman said.

For more information, call Senator Dinniman’s office at 610-692-2112 or e-mail acirucci@pasenate.com.

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» Watch NBC 10's story on seclusion rooms at East Goshen Elementary