Our Philosophy

HANDLE WITH CARE IS DEDICATED TO THE REDUCTION OF VIOLENCE THROUGH:

  • Tension reduction
  • Staff use of preventative actions that result in a decrease in the need for the use of physical intervention
  • The use of prompt skillful and appropriate intervention when physical restraint is necessary, in order to minimize injuries to clients, children and staff
  • Creating a universal perception of physical and psychological safety in the milieu

ALL VERBAL AND PHYSICAL INTERVENTIONS OPERATE FROM THESE ASSUMPTIONS

  • There is no dignity in allowing a child or adult to hurt himself or someone else
  • He needs to be protected from the physical and emotional consequences of his behavior
  • We need to be protected from the physical and emotional consequences of his behavior
  • In order to act in his best interest, we need to be in control of our own feelings and behavior
  • He is aware at some level that he is out of control and expects us to demonstrate the capacity to help bring him under control safely
  • A person in crisis will know the difference between something done for him and something done to him ONLY if we are clear about it first
  • The skillful application of physical restraint is a critical extension of the therapeutic relationship.  Click here for supporting research.