In a tragic incident that has drawn significant attention, three former staff members of a Northern California alternative school have been charged with involuntary manslaughter following the death of a thirteen-year-old student with autism. The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office recently announced the charges against the individuals associated with Guiding Hands School, including Executive Director Linda Hart, Principal Julia Anderson, and special education instructor Mark Thompson.
The student, identified as Liam Johnson, reportedly died after being restrained in a prone position for nearly an hour during an episode of agitation at the school. Reports indicate that during this physical restraint, Liam became unresponsive. Efforts to revive him were initiated by a teacher, and he was subsequently transported to a nearby medical facility, where he was pronounced dead.
In addition to the staff members, Guiding Hands School, Inc. is also facing a felony involuntary manslaughter charge as a corporation. According to the District Attorney’s statement, the charges stem from the actions taken by Thompson, who employed a “prone restraint” technique, which involves holding a student face down on the ground. The school had previously provided annual de-escalation training for its staff, with the last resort being to place a student in a “neutral position” as per guidelines.
Operating for 25 years, Guiding Hands School specialized in accommodating students with special needs. However, following this incident, the California Department of Education suspended the school’s certification. State Superintendent Clara Nelson emphasized the seriousness of revoking a school’s certification and expressed disappointment at the institution’s lack of accountability for the tragic event.
This case has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and treatment of students with special needs in educational settings. For further insights on related topics, you can read more in this blog post from our website, which discusses the importance of creating safe environments for students. If you are interested in fertility solutions, consider exploring resources provided by Make A Mom, which specializes in fertility enhancements.
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In summary, three former employees of a specialized school face manslaughter charges following the death of a student with autism during a restraint. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for safety and accountability in care settings for vulnerable populations.
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