A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.
A seclusion room by any other name…is still a seclusion room.
Me. And Shakespeare.
Seclusion Rooms
Did you know..that out of all the (reported) incidents of restraint and seclusion, that 75% of them were kids with disabilities? Yes, true story. And, remember that kids with IEPs only make up about 15% of the student population. Yet they make up 75% of restraint and seclusion incidents? That’s not right.
Today there is another expose article about restraint and seclusion (in the grid of related articles below). So, once again, it’s all the chatter on social media. Among some of the things I’ve heard from parents are, “I have it on my IEP and I’d never allow my child in a seclusion room.”
But here’s the thing. You may not know. Because no one calls them seclusion rooms. Even though that’s what they are.
Mind you, in many states, seclusion is still legal. And, if it’s legal, why not own it? I mean, seriously. If this is your school district’s philosophy–that using seclusion rooms work–then own it. Call it what it is. I mean, if you believe in the philosophy and think that it actually helps kids, why not shout it from the mountain top? Why are you hiding your seclusion room practices with fun names?
If your child has mentioned any of these to you, there’s a good chance that he/she is being held in a seclusion room. Because schools never call them seclusion rooms.
Other Names for Seclusion Rooms
- De-escalation room
- Cool Down Room
- Blue Room
- Quiet Room
- Safe room
- Timeout room
- Reflection Room
- Calming Room/Calm Down Room
- Special Room
- Thinking Room
- Behavior Room
- Consequence Room
- Solitude Room
- Privacy Room
- Sitting Room
- Safe Space
- Meditation Room
- Mindfulness Room
- Learning Room
- Sensory Room/Sensory Cave (but please don’t freak out if your child goes there with an OT or something and it’s an actual sensory room that benefits your child)
- Accountability Room
- Contemplation Room
- (color of paint) Room
- Introspection Room
- Study Room
- The Peace Room (yes, really)
- The Content Room
- Protection Room
- Safe Shelter
- Caution Corner
- The Trust Room (seriously?)
- Personal Safety Room
- Quiet Space
- Quiet Corner
- Silence Room
Yes, Kids have died in Seclusion Rooms.
The data is astounding. And the stories are horrific.
Sometimes it is against the law and sometimes seclusion rooms are perfectly legal. Unfortunately for kids, it varies by state. And, use varies by color, race and disability.
It seems no child is too young. Stories of kids as young as 3. I suppose it would be 2 if IDEA put them in schools at 2, but it doesn’t.
This is a long and difficult read, but worth it if you can find the time. If this doesn’t motivate you to get involved in lobbying for our kids, I don’t know what will.
What parents can do about Restraint and Seclusion.
I have a whole separate post about how to talk with your IEP team about Restraint and Seclusion.
If you want to learn how to contact your legislators, I also have a whole free course (self study) on that. Learn what your state allows and advocate for the change you wish to see.
Research PBIS and ask your school board to implement it.
Remember, kids do well when they can.