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Posted By Jo Scott Smith
I've been asked to draft a physical intervention policy.
To give some context we work supporting families in their homes. Our existing policies are geared towards risk assessment, using calming and descalation techniques and getting out of a situation that is getting out of hand so in effect avoiding getting to a situation where a physical intervention might be necessary.
However there are 2 scenarios that its possible a worker might face:
1/. Having to physically intervene to stop children fighting or putting their safety at risk if a verbal intervention is ineffective, and
2/. Breaking away from a person who has grabbed hold of the worker.
Do any of you who work in similar situations have a policy that they would mind sending me?
Thanks for you help
JO
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Sheila EJ Keogh
Jo,
Our staff work with young people/young adults with a variety of backgrounds and issues. I looked in depth at this issue a year ago and recommended against interventions. If the young people are fighting, they know we will call the police. This often results in the YP being evicted, moved to other services (places to help them) etc. We are in the middle of a programme of training all our front line staff in Personal Safety, run by a very well respected organisation (suzy lamplugh trust). the course emphasises how to foresee the build up of tensions, to use de-escalation techniques and before all hell breaks loose, to get yourself out of danger if/when it happens.
Please let me know if you want background info on why I advised against breakaway/break-free techniques - i did loads of research and would be happy to send you relevant paragraphs/pages of my final report.
Sheila
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Jo Scott Smith
Thanks Shelia
Up till now we have adopted the line you have/SLT advice and provided the training you describe. However our funders have required we have a policy and won't accept a policy to the effect of "only use self defence as a last resort". I think our younger clients may be younger than yours and there are several scenarios where our staff may have to physically intervene to protect the safety of children in our care.
It would help me to get up to speed on the issues if you could send me the relevant pages of the report you mentioned.
Thanks for your help
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