Seclusion of Students with Disabilities: An Analysis of Due Process Hearings

Abstract

In the last several years, there has been growing concern about the use of seclusion in schools. Little is known about its use, particularly with students with disabilities. This article presents the findings from an analysis of 26 due process hearings taking place nationwide over a 12-year period containing a description of the use of seclusion. For the purpose of this study, seclusion is defined as “the involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room . . . from which the student is physically prevented from leaving” (Council for Children With Behavioral Disorders, p. 1). Findings from this analysis include the following: (a) students of all ages and both genders with significant cognitive and behavioral disorders were subject to seclusion, (b) the rationale for the use of seclusion did not always involve a safety concern, and (c) students experienced an escalation in behavior upon being placed in seclusion, along with high frequencies and long duration of the seclusion event. Most of the students in the study had physical and mental health conditions that may affect the safety and efficacy of seclusion, and long-term effects of unknown etiology occurred for students in the sample, including transition into more restrictive school settings.