❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses allegations of a child with intellectual disability being confined in a cage at school. The government denies the allegations but confirms an investigation and the removal of the facility.
AnsweredQoN 13Legislative Council
Asked
2 March 2004
Member
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Neil Moore, a twelve-year-old boy recently at Kenwick School, and to written complaints dated 22 September 2003 made by Mrs Sheila Simons - Neil’s grandmother and legal guardian - to both the Minister and the Department of Education and Training, and ask - (1) Is it true that Neil has been routinely and frequently locked in a chain-mesh cage at the school, without water, toilet facilities or shelter from the elements? (2) Is it the Government’s policy that children exhibiting disruptive behaviour, particularly disruptive behaviour stemming from intellectual disability, should be locked in cages as a management tool; and, if so, how many other children are similarly treated? (3) When did the Minister receive the complaint, what action did he take in response and when was that action taken? (4) Has the Department of Education and Training received, acknowledged and investigated Mrs Simons’ complaint; and, if so, when and with what conclusion? (5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY
AnswerView source ↗
On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(1) Is it true that Neil has been routinely and frequently locked in a chain-mesh cage at the school, without water, toilet facilities or shelter from the elements? (2) Is it the Government’s policy that children exhibiting disruptive behaviour, particularly disruptive behaviour stemming from intellectual disability, should be locked in cages as a management tool; and, if so, how many other children are similarly treated? (3) When did the Minister receive the complaint, what action did he take in response and when was that action taken? (4) Has the Department of Education and Training received, acknowledged and investigated Mrs Simons’ complaint; and, if so, when and with what conclusion? (5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(2) Is it the Government’s policy that children exhibiting disruptive behaviour, particularly disruptive behaviour stemming from intellectual disability, should be locked in cages as a management tool; and, if so, how many other children are similarly treated? (3) When did the Minister receive the complaint, what action did he take in response and when was that action taken? (4) Has the Department of Education and Training received, acknowledged and investigated Mrs Simons’ complaint; and, if so, when and with what conclusion? (5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(3) When did the Minister receive the complaint, what action did he take in response and when was that action taken? (4) Has the Department of Education and Training received, acknowledged and investigated Mrs Simons’ complaint; and, if so, when and with what conclusion? (5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(4) Has the Department of Education and Training received, acknowledged and investigated Mrs Simons’ complaint; and, if so, when and with what conclusion? (5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(1) Is it true that Neil has been routinely and frequently locked in a chain-mesh cage at the school, without water, toilet facilities or shelter from the elements? (2) Is it the Government’s policy that children exhibiting disruptive behaviour, particularly disruptive behaviour stemming from intellectual disability, should be locked in cages as a management tool; and, if so, how many other children are similarly treated? (3) When did the Minister receive the complaint, what action did he take in response and when was that action taken? (4) Has the Department of Education and Training received, acknowledged and investigated Mrs Simons’ complaint; and, if so, when and with what conclusion? (5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(2) Is it the Government’s policy that children exhibiting disruptive behaviour, particularly disruptive behaviour stemming from intellectual disability, should be locked in cages as a management tool; and, if so, how many other children are similarly treated? (3) When did the Minister receive the complaint, what action did he take in response and when was that action taken? (4) Has the Department of Education and Training received, acknowledged and investigated Mrs Simons’ complaint; and, if so, when and with what conclusion? (5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(3) When did the Minister receive the complaint, what action did he take in response and when was that action taken? (4) Has the Department of Education and Training received, acknowledged and investigated Mrs Simons’ complaint; and, if so, when and with what conclusion? (5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(4) Has the Department of Education and Training received, acknowledged and investigated Mrs Simons’ complaint; and, if so, when and with what conclusion? (5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(5) When was the cage erected and is it still in existence? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Education and Training I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(1) Kenwick Special Education School staff advise that the answer to this question is no, that Neil was supervised at all times by his aide, and that he had the same access to toilet facilities as any other child. However, the minister has instituted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this issue. The investigation will be carried out by Dr Jay Birnbrauer, clinical psychologist and acknowledged international expert on the treatment of young people with autism, particularly children with challenging behaviours. (2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(2) No. (3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(3) The letter from Mrs Simons was received on 23 September 2003 and was referred to the Department of Education and Training for advice. (4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(4) The district director conducted an investigation and involved the police child abuse unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission on receipt of Mrs Simons’ complaint in September 2003. As a result, the use of the facility was discontinued. (5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
(5) The Department of Education and Training advises that the facility was not a cage. The facility was installed on 11 September 2002 and comprised a fully airconditioned demountable classroom and an attached enclosed outdoor area. It has now been removed.
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