Child Welfare League of America (CWLA),  chart comparing various federal requirements for the use of restraints in hospitals, residential treatment centers and other settings.

Text of the Children’s Health Act Statute which does not apply to public schools, but does apply in a variety of other settings like residential treatment facilities.

Summary of the Children's Health Act's requirements.

Regulations on the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities Providing Inpatient Psychiatric Services to Individuals Under Age 21.

National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems (NAPAS) Restraint & Seclusion Overview of Federal Laws and Policies.

Bazelon Center for Mental Health description of Federal Standards For Use Of Restraint And Seclusion

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997 Statute and Regulations.

Congress amended the IDEA in 2004. The changes go into effect in July 2005. The following sources provide information about the  with changes made to the IDEA in 2004:

• Congressional Conference Committee Report; Bill Summary and Fact Sheet from Congress about the changes made in the 2004 IDEA.

• The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates comparison of IDEA 1997 and IDEA 2004.  

• Wrightslaw has a series of articles about the changes in the 2004 version of the IDEA.

Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act regulations.