Our Programs

The Communication Skills of our Programs-

We understand the necessity of effective communication skills.  All of our behavior is reflected in the way we communicate to those around us. Because of this, our central focus in all our programs is to help our clients develop the skill sets of verbal and non-verbal communication. These communication skills are then practiced to create the 3Rs: Respect, Rapport and Relationships.  It is our goal to use the 3Rs with everyone we interact with, residents and staff alike. Effective communication skills are crucial in building our de-escalation and crisis intervention tool box. These communication tools are used with every interaction had with residents. Communication is a necessity when a physical response occurs. Communicating with fellow staff members and the resident, when a resident acts out with violence, helps to keep everyone safe. We teach that our communication should be used at all times, even through a physical response from the staff members.  A physical response to control violence is a last resort, and then only if it is an issue of safety towards the residents or towards someone else. 

Positive Control Systems (PCS) Physical Skills – Words aren't always enough to stop a violent act. Though we would prefer to never respond physically, it is occasionally necessary for a physical response to violent behavior as a last resort.  The PCS program's physical control techniques focus on therapeutic structural controls. Since safety for everyone is the main focus during a physical response, staff members need to have an effective physical skill set which works consistently, not just in ideal conditions. We understand there will be differences in body types of staff and residents. Because of this, the staff are taught how to adapt to these differences by using leverage and their own body to make sure both the staff and the resident are safe. These controls have been shown to be effective in safely stopping and controlling self harm and other violent actions, against staff and other residents, while returning to a therapeutic environment. 

Informed Crisis Care (ICC) Physical Skills - Though structural controls are very effective, we have other more gentle options. The ICC program was created at the request of our clients as an alternative for working with younger, smaller residents who are not prone to violent behaviors. Building from the understanding of leverage and body mechanics, the Informed Crisis Care physical skills are used to stop actions which would be dangerous to the student or others. This approach is effective in gaining compliance returning to a therapeutic environment.