Did you know Virginia currently has no laws or regulations about when and how children can be restrained or secluded in public schools?- There are no regulations restricting restraint and seclusion to emergencies.
- Virginia families do not even have the right to know if their child was restrained or secluded.
Your input is needed immediately! Speak up for students across the Commonwealth. Tell Virginia to adopt safeguards to protect children in school.
The Virginia Commission on Youth (COY) is studying the use of restraint and seclusion in public schools. On September 16, COY released their recommendations on restraint and seclusion.
Your input on their recommendations is needed ASAP! 
Public comment closes on October 13.
Please take 2 minutes now to do the following:
1. Urge the Commission to support Option B1: “requiring the Board of Education to promulgate regulations on the use of seclusion and restraint in public schools” consistent with the U.S. Department of Education’s 15 Principles on Seclusion & Restraint and Virginia’s 2009 DOE Guidelines.
a) Speak up in support of Option B1 by sending an email to Amy Atkinson, Commission on Youth: aatkinson@vcoy.virginia.gov. Feel free to include details about why you care about this issue OR
b) Fax/mail your comments as follows: fax to 804-371-0574, mail: Commission on Youth, General Assembly Building, Ste. 269, Richmond, VA 23219.
2. Attend the next meeting of the Commission on Youth: 1:00 on October 20, House Room C of the General Assembly Building.
3. Spread the word! Encourage friends, family members, students and colleagues to speak up to keep children safe. Ask them to send an email supporting Option B1.
Learn the details from the Virginia Coalition for School Safety. Speak Up for Students Across the Commonwealth!
