DLC Finds Abuse and Neglect at Chamberlain School in
Middleboro
BOSTON, August 15, 2016 – Following a 15 month investigation, consisting of interviews with
current and former students, parents, and school staff, and a thorough review of 20 students’
records, Disability Law Center (DLC) issues a report today which makes a series of findings
concerning neglect and abuse at the Chamberlain International School (CIS) in Middleboro, MA.
Specifically DLC made a finding of neglect:


in the school’s failure to prevent and properly respond to students exhibiting serious self
harm;
 in the school’s failure to adequately supervise students and prevent them from running
away from campus;
 in the school’s failure to investigate and stop bullying incidents, and to comply fully with
Massachusetts’ anti-bullying law.
DLC also made a finding of abuse:
 in the form of verbal harassment and other inappropriate treatment of students by staff.
In other areas of concern, DLC found that CIS had undertaken substantive remedial steps -- most
notably in the school’s efforts to transition to becoming a restraint free campus. During the
period of time covered by the reviewed student records, there had been many instances of
excessive or inappropriate restraints. Since the initiation of a new program in January 2016, the
number has dramatically decreased, with the school reporting that there had only been one
restraint per month in most months in the first half of 2016. CIS is also in the midst of changing
the way that medications are administered and hiring nursing personnel so that all medication
will be administered by a nurse.
“While we commend the improvement that has occurred,” says Christine Griffin, DLC’s
Executive Director, “there must be further change to address those areas where abuse and neglect
were found. We are seeking a detailed remedial plan to ensure that these students are properly
treated going forward.”

DLC, as the designated Protection and Advocacy System for Massachusetts, is authorized under
federal law to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities.
DLC’s investigation and report were done by DLC Staff, Erin O’Sullivan and Stan Eichner
Contact:
Stanley J. Eichner, Litigation Director, 617-415-4613, seichner@dlc-ma.org