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Jawara Henry, died in a state facility this month
I had remembered hearing about the death of a young man in an institution in Staten Island this month. I had put aside the story to blog about it when I felt I had the emotional energy to do it justice.
Then, I forgot about it.
Yesterday, I went to a statewide meeting about autism issues. And, I met a woman who wanted people to notice the story of that young man from Staten Island. The woman was there to tell about the death of her own child with autism, and to advocate for better laws, so that children with autism would be free from abuse in schools and state institutions.
Below is the story of Jawara Henry, who died this month in a government-funded psychiatric center. At the bottom is a video about Jonathan Carey, who died several years ago because of improper use of restraints.
(excerpt from) The Washington Post
Autistic NY patient’s death ruled homicide
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
NEW YORK — The death of a severely autistic patient who had been allegedly restrained at a state-run psychiatric facility in New York has been ruled a homicide.
New York City’s medical examiner determined Jawara Henry died of asphyxiation by neck and chest compression on Saturday…
There is another story about Jawara Henry: here.
The story of Jonathan Carey…
The website with background and action items is: here.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf4JxtSRygY]
Video description:
Restraint and Seclusion are Dangerous and must be Banned!
In 2004, Jonathan was abused at a private school for children with autism, in Staatsburg, New York. …Jonathan was later moved to a different facility near his parent’s home. His parents hoped things would be very different there… In February of 2007, at the age of 13, Jonathan was Killed by his “caregiver” during a restraint. The man and driver of the van sought no medical attention for Jonathan, but drove around with Jonathan’s lifeless body for about 90 minutes before returning to the facility… The man who killed Jonathan is currently serving 5-15 years in State prison for manslaughter…
[A note: I learned from Jonathan’s parents that often, when children with disabilities are killed from the use of restraints, it is not ruled a homicide. Often, the person and facility get away with it…]
Filed under: children, Education, New York State Politics, News, public health, safety Tagged: | autism, children with disabilities, Criminal Justice, Jawara Henry, Jonathan Carey, NY State autism, NY State Education, NY State government, NY State institutions, punishment, use of restraints
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