Probe launched over 'caged autistic child'
An investigation has been launched into allegations a special needs child was kept in a cage-like structure at a Canberra primary school.
It is alleged the 10-year-old boy with autism was put inside a two-by-two metre enclosure made of pool fencing as a means of controlling his behavior.
Advocacy group Children with Disability Australia says the incident is not an isolated case and that there are "frequent" instances of abuse in Australian schools.
In a submission made to the UN Committee on the Rights of Children with Disability in March, the organisation said some special needs students had been prevented from going to the bathroom.
They also said disabled children had been locked in ‘time-out’ rooms for extended periods and that martial arts instructors had been employed to help with “behavioural management.”
The latest revelations have placed a renewed spotlight on the treatment of disabled children in Australian schools.
Education Minister Joy Burch said the child was placed in a "withdrawal space" inside the classroom, over a 17-day period between March 10 and March 27.
“The space was basically a fenced in structure inside a classroom. It was entirely inappropriate and unacceptable,” she said.
“This is an example of extremely poor decision making,” she added. “This is not in the best interest of the child.”
Ms Burch said the structure, which would not be deemed acceptable at any school, had been withdrawn and was alerted of the incident last Thursday.
The school principal has been stood down.
Ms Burch said she had initiated a thorough investigation as to the why and where the structure was allowed to be put in place.
She made assurances through the school executive and through support teams that the child and the family involved would be given the utmost support.
The 10-year-old boy is still attending the school and extra staff have been assigned to look after him.
The issue emerged last week after a complaint was made to the Children and Young People's Commissioner, reports the ABC.
Parents with students at the school have been informed of the incident.
Diane Joseph from the ACT Education Directorate said it was an isolated example of very poor decision making.
"The decision to erect such a structure raises so many questions,” he told the ABC.
"This is not how our students should be treated."
The withdrawal space was built for a particular student, but the Directorate conceded it did not know if it had been used for other students.
The investigation will be conducted by someone independent of the ACT Education and Training Directorate.
