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FCPS recently reached a settlement with the United States Department of Justice regarding restraint and seclusion practices of students with disabilities after several months of collaboration. We wanted to share details on how we will move forward.
Prior to collaboration with the Department of Justice (DOJ), FCPS had initiated processes, training, and techniques to enhance its existing approaches to restraint and seclusion particularly in the areas of reporting and proactive response strategies; these strategies include the initiation of an electronic reporting system and the expansion of restorative practice training which provides staff with a proactive intervention to deescalate student behaviors that may bring harm to themselves or others. FCPS has also been engaging with other school systems in the region that have been working to address similar challenges associated with restraint and seclusion.
The Department of Justice’s efforts with FCPS focused primarily on its specialized programs that support students with disabilities. A central focal point of these programs is to support the social and emotional needs of students who require more intense specialized instruction. The review spanned a four year period and was isolated to 125 students enrolled in specialized programs.
FCPS is committed to systemic changes for the betterment of our students. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff are of highest priority to the school system. In addition, FCPS firmly embraces the philosophy that restraint and seclusion techniques should only be used when all other less intrusive, non-physical interventions have been exhausted and the emergency situation is necessary to protect a student or another person from imminent, serious, physical harm. Restraint and seclusion are strategies that serve as a last resort intervention to help protect the student from injuring themselves or others.
FCPS is committed to continuous process improvement. More importantly, we are dedicated to serving the whole child; academically, socially and emotionally. FCPS will continue to work closely with our community and DOJ to design programs and strategies that support the diverse needs of our student population.