Today there is a patchwork of policies, guidelines, and regulations that differ from state to state and from school district to school district and from setting to setting in terms of the use of restraint and seclusion.

We don’t believe that civil rights and human rights should vary from state to state.

Explore State Laws

We have a new data explorer that allows users to search and compare laws across U.S. states governing the use of restraint, seclusion, and related practices in school settings.

Link: law.endseclusion.org
Updated: August 31st, 2026

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Legacy Document

This document was created to help you learn more about the policies, guidelines, and regulations that might exist in your state.

This document was compiled by volunteers from the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint in the Fall of 2021. Laws and policies are constantly reviewed and updated across North America. Please visit your state or providence website to ensure you have the latest information.

Download the document (Version 1.0 June 1, 2022)

This publication would not have been possible without our volunteer team. A huge thanks to Teresa Olafson for leading the project and all the team members who contributed.