Beth Morrison Fights for "Calum's Law" to Protect Vulnerable Children from Abuse

Beth Morrison's fight for "Calum's Law" began on September 21, 2010, when she discovered her disabled son, Calum, in a distressed state after being restrained at his special needs school in Dundee. Calum, who suffers from epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, and learning disabilities, had been held face-down for 40 minutes by nine staff members, causing him to lose consciousness and wet himself. Shockingly, this was not an isolated incident, as other parents began to come forward with similar stories of their children being subjected to physical restraint and seclusion. In response to these harrowing accounts, Beth Morrison has become a vocal activist for "Calum's Law," a petition aimed at curbing physical restraint and seclusion in educational settings. The proposed law would require mandatory training for all teachers on how to prevent physical restraint and ensure that incidents are properly recorded. Currently, there are no clear guidelines for teachers, leading to inconsistent practices and potentially harmful situations for children with complex needs. Morrison's efforts have gained momentum, with support from Labour MSP Daniel Johnson and the launch of support pages in England, Wales, and Ireland. The Equality and Human Rights Commission in Westminster has also acknowledged the need for mandatory recording of restraint incidents in English schools. Now, the focus is on Scotland, where a consultation is underway on a members' bill that would make the current guidelines legally enforceable. The stories shared by Morrison and other parents paint a disturbing picture of vulnerable children being subjected to abuse and punishment in educational settings. The hope is that "Calum's Law" will bring about much-needed change and ensure the safety and well-being of all children, regardless of their special needs.