(WAND)- WAND Investigates is continuing our examination of abuse cases in schools across central Illinois and how the Illinois State Board of Education is working to stop abuse through training.
"They're literally standing behind these laws meant to protect kids, to abuse them. And it needs to stop, it really does," Clarissa Brooks, a central Illinois mother, told WAND News.
School staff across Illinois receive training from companies like Crisis Prevention Institute, or CPI.
"So looking at restraints, last case scenario for difficult cases- they should only be used if there is imminent danger to serious physical harm to either the student itself, their peers or teachers or other faculty within the school environment," Jeff Aranowski, Executive Director of Safe and Healthy Climate for ISBE, told WAND News.
CPI trainings teach educators how to put a child in a proper restraint, in compliance with state law.
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"Training is of a critical importance. Staff are required to be trained every year in restraints. Not necessarily just how to use safe and effective restraints, but also de-escalation techniques," Aranowski explained.
ISBE said even proper restraints should be rarely used, and if they are- parents must be notified.
"Transparency is a key goal of both statute and the Illinois State Board of Education in this realm. Parents are required to be notified within one business day of a restraint being used, and the Illinois State Board of Education is required to be notified within 2 school days of the incident," Aranowski said.
ISBE said anyone who feels a child was put in an unsafe hold should contact their school district, and ISBE, immediately.
"We will investigate any complaint submitted to us by any parent, teacher, community member, member of the public that might have a concern of about something they've seen in the school or district," Aranowski explained.
Parents told WAND News, they want to see districts take a tougher stance on staff, who violate ISBE rules, so the agency doesn't have to get involved in the first place.
"If you really want to protect the children, get in front of it. Put policies in place, make it in black and white that if an allegation comes up, no matter what it is- that teacher, that secretary that custodian- remove them immediately," Otiyuna Franklin, a central Illinois mom, told WAND News.
ISBE said if schools don't take action, it will. Click here to learn more about ISBE's policy and training around restraints and isolated time outs.
WAND News will take a closer look at the laws already in place to protect children, and why state officials say new rules may be needed, June 11th at 10pm.
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