Inclusion Ireland Critiques New Guidelines on Restraint and Seclusion for Disabled Children
Inclusion Ireland has criticized newly published guidelines limiting restraint and seclusion for children in schools, claiming they fail to protect disabled and neurodivergent students from abuse. CEO Derval McDonagh noted that the guidelines come after a six-year delay without adequate safeguards, putting children at risk. A survey indicated that 35% of disabled children have experienced seclusion and 27% physical restraint. The organization called for a more robust reporting mechanism to ensure children’s rights are upheld.