CDA Media Alert - Restraint Seclusion

Friday 3 April 2015 **MEDIA RELEASE** Children with Disability Australia: Restrictive Practices in our Schools There are reports in the media today relating to the restraint, seclusion and abuse of young people with disability in our schools, including children with autism being restrained and locked in cages. Children with Disability Australia (CDA) is the national peak body which represents children and young people (aged 0-25) with disability. Stephanie Gotlib, CEO said: “These cases are not the norm, but they are not isolated either,” “Unfortunately, CDA is receiving an increasing number of reports of students with disability being subjected to restrictive practices in schools,” “This increased incidence is a clear indication that the system is not adequately meeting the needs of students with disability. In addition, CDA hears about students with disability’s poor education outcomes and experiences on a daily basis,” “It is absolutely vital that teachers and schools can access the expertise and resources needed to ensure a quality education can be provided to students with disability. Cultural change is also needed so that there is no longer a culture of low expectations for students with disability. None of this reform can occur without a much needed boost in funding,“ said Ms Gotlib. CDA has published an issues paper, Enabling and Protecting: Proactive Approaches to Addressing the Abuse and Neglect of Children and Young People with Disability i in conjunction with Dr Sally Robinson of the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University, addressing these issues. “Every child has the right to a quality education. Teachers and schools must be adequately resourced. Today, I repeat calls to ensure a disability loading in education is fully

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Transcript of CDA Media Alert - Restraint Seclusion

Friday 3 April 2015

**MEDIA RELEASE**Children with Disability Australia: Restrictive Practices in our SchoolsThere are reports in the media today relating to the restraint, seclusion and abuse of young people with disability in our schools, including children with autism being restrained and locked in cages.

Children with Disability Australia (CDA) is the national peak body which represents children and young people (aged 0-25) with disability.

Stephanie Gotlib, CEO said: These cases are not the norm, but they are not isolated either,

Unfortunately, CDA is receiving an increasing number of reports of students with disability being subjected to restrictive practices in schools,

This increased incidence is a clear indication that the system is not adequately meeting the needs of students with disability. In addition, CDA hears about students with disabilitys poor education outcomes and experiences on a daily basis,

It is absolutely vital that teachers and schools can access the expertise and resources needed to ensure a quality education can be provided to students with disability. Cultural change is also needed so that there is no longer a culture of low expectations for students with disability. None of this reform can occur without a much needed boost in funding, said Ms Gotlib.

CDA has published an issues paper, Enabling and Protecting: Proactive Approaches to Addressing the Abuse and Neglect of Children and Young People with Disability[endnoteRef:1] in conjunction with Dr Sally Robinson of the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University, addressing these issues. [1: CDA Issue paper: Enabling and Protecting: Proactive Approaches to Addressing the Abuse and Neglect of Children and Young People with Disability]

Every child has the right to a quality education. Teachers and schools must be adequately resourced. Today, I repeat calls to ensure a disability loading in education is fully implemented by the Federal Government in 2016,

At present there is an interim disability loading in place. A full loading for all students with disability will enable the broad range of reforms necessary, including teacher training and supports, said Ms Gotlib.**ends**Media Contact: Sara Irvine 0402 982 002Interview Contact: Stephanie Gotlib, CEO, CDA0425 724 230