N.B. advocate says seclusion room changes needed [Video]

New Brunswick’s child, youth and seniors’ advocate Kelly Lamrock is urging the Department of Education and Early Childhood to address his concerns about the use of seclusion rooms in schools.

Lamrock released his final report of the year on Monday. He used the opportunity to address problems that include potential human rights violations.

“Parents are upset, children are impacted and schools seem confused about how to properly follow the department’s own guidelines,” said Lamrock. “What is more troubling is the lack of clarity on whether the legal authority for these practices exists at all, leaving educators at risk of legal consequences and students subject to arbitrary power.”

Seclusion rooms are intended as a last resort to ensure safety, said a news release from the provincial government. Lamrock’s report raised questions about how these measures are being applied. He said schools are failing students and educators because they are “operating in the dark.”

The advocate identified the following key issues:

• Oversight and accountability: Lack of consistent …