[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 30 (Thursday, March 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       PREVENTING HARMFUL RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION IN SCHOOLS ACT

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2010

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the Keeping 
All Students Safe Act, a commonsense measure to provide guidance for 
teachers and schools on the use of seclusion and restraints.
  Last year, the Government Accountability Office found hundreds of 
cases of alleged abuse of seclusion and restraints, including cases 
that resulted in death. And while federal law provides minimum safety 
standards for the use of these interventions in hospitals and other 
facilities supported by federal dollars, there are no federal rules for 
public or private schools.
  Today's bill sets basic standards and gives states 2 years to 
implement their own policies, procedures, monitoring, and enforcement 
systems to meet them. It provides grants to help train school staff and 
implement positive behavior support programs. And it increases 
transparency and oversight by requiring states, for the first time, to 
collect and report data annually to the Secretary of Education.
  With these measures, we can ensure the safe learning environment that 
all our students deserve. I encourage my colleagues to join me and 
support this bill.

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