Chapter 33: Rule Governing Physical Restraint and Seclusion establishes standards and procedures for the use of physical restraint and seclusion and is the result of state statute, Sec.1. 20-A MRSA §4014: "Use of seclusion and physical restraint.
Physical restraint and seclusion may only be used as an emergency intervention when the behavior of a student presents a risk of injury or harm to the student or others. The rule sets forth permitted and unlawful uses of restraint and seclusion, required notification and documentation of incidents of restraint or seclusion, aggregate reporting of incidents to administrators and to the Maine DOE, notification to parents, response to multiple incidents of restraint or seclusion of a student, local and state complaint processes and Maine DOE approval of training programs.
If you have any questions or concerns in regards to the use of restraint or seclusion used in the school setting, please direct those to your School Principal or the Director of Special Services. Gorham Schools currently uses QBS: Safety Care Training with designated staff in each building. All school staff have an overview training annually to maintain an understanding of Chapter 33 Rules.
If you have a complaint concerning the implementation of the policy/procedures, you may submit it in writing to the Superintendent or Director of Special Services as soon as possible. They will investigate the complaint and provide a written findings to the legal guardian within twenty business days, if practicable. A parent who is dissatisfied with the result of the local complaint process may file a complaint with the Maine Department of Education - see the link below under resources.
Resources governing this:
US Department of Education: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/seclusion/index.html
Maine Department of Education Website: https://www.maine.gov/doe/schoolsupports/climate/restraintandseclusion
Gorham School Policy and Procedures: