Handle With Care
Frequently Asked Questions
HWC programs are being used with clients, age 4 years to geriatric, across the entire spectrum of human services
Reduction in number of restraints & injuries
Empowering Our Partners
Handle With Care - Frequently Asked Questions
HWC’s program is taught by one of our highly skilled Master Trainers and is delivered either on-site at your facility or at one of our scheduled seminars listed on our website
Seminar Training
This is the most cost-effective option for smaller organizations. Join a 3-day seminar at a location near you.
- Day 1: Verbal intervention strategies
- Day 2: Physical intervention strategies
- Day 3: Instructor Certification also known as Train-the-Trainer – Learn to instruct your own staff in-house
To find a seminar near you Click Here
On-Site Training
This is the most cost-effective and convenient option for larger groups. We come to your location
On-site training can be tailored to meet your organization's specific needs. We can adjust the number of participants, focus on select modules or program sections, and customize the content to align with your needs.
For more Onsite Training details, Click Here
Certification lasts for one year
Training Overview
Introduction to Handle With Care Philosophy & Methods
Comprehensive Verbal Skills Workshop - Click Here for more information
- Understanding crisis escalation & de-escalation (Tension/Tension Reduction Cycle)
- Building therapeutic relationships (Solid Object Relationship Model)
- Role-playing exercises for real-world application
- Personal Defense: Escape techniques, blocking strategies, breaking up fights
- Primary Restraint Technique (PRT) & Transition to the Floor
- Team Intervention & Escorts: 2-person and 4-person strategies
- Early Childhood Program: (ages 3-8)
- Specialized Interventions: Managing fights, small children, pregnant individuals, and optional mechanical restraints for hospitals and corrections
Why HWC is Evidence-Based
- Over 40 Years of Proven Success
- Developed & Tested in Clinical Settings; HWC was rigorously evaluated over 10 years at Pennsylvania Hospital,. HWC’s verbal program was incorporated into the first-year psychiatric residency curriculum and both HWC’s verbal and physical program is still being used at Pennsylvania Hospital today.
- Validated by Leading Medical Experts – Approved for use in the State of NY by Dr. Michael Baden, former Chief Medical Examiner of NY. Approved for use in the State of NY by NJ State Hospital Medical Director after comprehensive medical review
- Proven Reduction in Holds & Injuries – Organizations using HWC report a 30-50%+ decrease in the number of holds and injuries
- Trusted - Used at hospitals, schools, residential, social services, juvenile, psychiatric facilities, emergency departments, and behavioral health programs nationwide for over 40 years
- Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Department of Education (Federal and State Agencies)
- IDEA & 504 Compliant
- Department of Health and Human Services (Federal and State Agencies)
- Juvenile Justice & Corrections Agencies
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- CARF (The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission)
- COA (The Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services)
- HWC’s program complies with all US Rules and Laws Regarding Use of Restraint and Seclusion
- Safety First - There is no dignity in allowing a child or adult to hurt themselves or others
- Relationship-Centered De-Escalation - HWC’s Solid Object Relationship Model (SORM) is a roadmap for teaching staff how to build relationship and attachment
- Recognizing Triggers & Stressors
- Co-Regulation & Collaboration
- Interventions Are Done For, Not To - A person in crisis will know the difference between something done for them and something done to them
- Breaking the Cycle - The takeaway should be that emotionally charged situations do not have to end badly. By building trust, staff help children and adults develop healthier responses to distress
- Attachment & Co-Regulation - HWC’s Solid Object Relationship Model helps regulate the nervous system by cultivating attachment to guide the person back to a calm state
- Recognizing Triggers & Stressors and Responsive to Sensory & Emotional Needs
- HWC’s interventions are flexible and customizable so they align with the individual's needs (i.e. earplugs, dim lighting, breathing techniques, weighted vests, calm demeanor)
- Faster Recovery Arcs - HWC’s program promotes faster recovery. This minimizes trauma and prevents maladaptive behaviors from becoming ingrained over time
When selecting individuals to become HWC Instructors, organizations can consider someone who:
- Is respected and trusted within the organization
- Can be counted on to respond to crises or critical events
- Is genuinely interested in the training and willing to train and lead others
- Has good communication skills and comfortable with public speaking
- Has physical assets including balance, coordination and the ability to get up and down unassisted
HWC will eagerly train and Certify as an Instructor anyone with the above assets who is wheelchair bound or unable to get up and down, provided there is another Certified Instructor to help demonstrate/perform the physical techniques and assist/spot in-house Trainees.
- Each organization or trainee receives a training manual.
- Instructors are given online access to the HWC Training video (which is being updated this year)
- We also provide online access to the verbal powerpoint and counts
- HWC provides a certificate for each person that successfully completes a HWC-provided training
- For in-house trainings, we provide an electronic template for in-house trainer to complete
- There is no additional cost for materials
- HWC provides the trainee or organization with materials and permission to use, teach and copy said materials as long as the organization has a license and/or a certified (current) trainer
- There are no additional fees or charges
- There is a nominal fee for replacement materials.
No
- There is no additional cost for your in-house instructors to train your staff
Who can Certified HWC Instructors train?
- Certified HWC Instructors can train staff within their own organization
- Independent contractors providing employee-type services (i.e. traveling nurse, substitute teacher) only on a contractor or casual basis are considered employees)
- Trainers are not permitted to train individuals outside of their organization (such as staff from other organizations) without written approval from HWC.
If you want to train people outside your organization, please contact us.
Yes
HWC can transfer your certification to another organization. Contact us for more information.
Annual training is required to ensure the quality of training and to update Participants/Instructors on any refinements or changes in the technology
Yes, but there is a process.
Please contact us if you want to train at two organizations.
Can HWC’s training program be adapted or customized for our organization?
Yes. We encourage organizations to customize (within reasonable limits) HWC’s training program so that it aligns with its program, any rules, regulations, policies or needs. Major alterations or additions may require a different protocol or written approval.
Contact us for more information or if you have any questions.
Yes
After the initial training, Staff should be re-trained at least annually
There is a 30-day grace period. If you or your organization needs a longer extension, HWC can extend your certification (for a reasonable amount of time and a pro-rated fee) until you are able to be recertified.
Please contact us if you need an extension.
Yes. HWC can provide technical and/or legal support
Handle With Care offers free 24/7 technical assistance and customer support
HWC provides the following services at its discretion:
- Confidential critical incident review
- Video analysis
- Civil, administrative and criminal case evaluation and review
- Deposition testimony
- Expert trial testimony for civil, administrative and criminal proceedings
Some (not all) of these services are free or minimum charge. Some of these services have either a negotiated fee or are charged the current consultation rate.