2026 CASE Conference

Safety First Then Comes Culture: Shifting Mindsets Around Restraint and Seclusion (Room Rotunda)

11 Nov 26
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Tracks: Educational Leadership: Leading with Purpose

Speaker(s): Kim Sanders, President of the Ukeru Division, Chief Operating Officer Grafton Integrated Health Network, Ukeru Systems (www.ukerusystems.com) Grafton Integrated Health Network (www.grafton.org); Allyson Davis, Chief Education Strategy Officer, Grafton School, Inc.; Michele Tost, Director of Special Education, Berkeley County Schools, West Virginia

Restraint and seclusion are dangerous and traumatizing for all involved. It’s not unusual for schools to utilize such practices when there’s a feeling nothing else is working. The number of incidents creep up, injuries increase, and there is the belief that it’s the only tool in the toolbox in physically challenging situations. Even with high numbers of injuries, we convince ourselves it’s keeping everyone safe. We all know these facts, but it is hard to change an entire school culture. But it can be done! With a trauma-informed approach and proper training, restraint and seclusion can be minimized without compromising safety. During this session, a private school in Virginia and a public school in West Virginia will share their successes. Both drastically decreasing the use of restraint, one eliminating seclusion, all while decreasing staff injuries and improving overall staff satisfaction.