CALM Training Services Ltd Elmbank Mill, The Charrier Menstrie, Clackmannanshire Scotland, FK11 7BU Tel: 01259 763681 Fax: 01259 763699 Email: info@calmtraining.co.uk

CALM - Crisis, Aggression, Limitation and Management

 Physical Intervention                

A hierarchical programme of interlinked, non-aversive restraint techniques. These are based on simple bio mechanically sound principles. All techniques are delivered in the context of a strict quality assurance system registered as compliant with current "best practice" standards. The syllabus is separated into a generic Core Curriculum and a Supplementary Curriculum containing specialist techniques. Programmes can then be customised on the basis of audit and risk assessment by commissioning agencies.

All training is delivered from a value base which stresses the use of restraint as a "last resort" response based on the principle of "least restriction". Contrary to the claims of many training providers we do not believe that physical restraint can be marketed as “therapeutic, safe, or non violent”. Such terms are misleading and actively support the false beliefs which lead to the over use of restraint. Physical intervention may be an occasional, last resort response required to safeguard the welfare of a vulnerable service user. In relation to foreseeable risk, such training is effectively mandatory under UK statute and care standards. CALM Training will work with user agencies to monitor safe restraint use where restraint is necessary and  also in the development of restraint reduction strategies.

All CALM physical intervention techniques are intended to be “non aversive”. They do not employ pain compliance and conform to the methods of restraint outlined in national policy documents. CALM Training believes in “Murphy’s Law”. If it can go wrong it will. Consequently great care has been taken to avoid “fragile“ restraint techniques - restraint methods which can be used punitively or which present dangers when small adaptations are made.

The competence of trainees is assessed using a system of independent verification. This avoids the difficulties and potential clash of interests of Instructor assessment.

All courses are certificated (1 year) and a comprehensive database is maintained of all accredited staff. These measures are component parts of a rigorous quality assurance system which promotes safe practice and offers a robust defense in the event of litigation.

Small Holds

The inappropriate methods used by staff to control the behaviour of pre school children has become the focus of recent media attention and litigation. Although the behaviour of some pre 5's with complex needs and/or emotional problems may present a risk to themselves, other children and care staff, the lack of formal guidance and staff training in appropriate verbal and physical management techniques remains a crucial problem. This vacuum has contributed to the use of informal, ad hoc methods of physical intervention and a lack of accountability. The lack of clarity about acceptable and legally defensible methods of restraint undermines the confidence of staff, rightly concerned about the degree of support they will receive when intervention is necessary. However the consequences of non-intervention can be equally serious, and could potentially expose services and staff to allegations of negligence and subsequent civil action for failing to exercise their duty of care towards service users.

In response to increasing requests from agencies, CALM Training has developed a course specifically designed to address the need for training in behavioural support for pre 5 children. It includes inputs on legal perspectives, child development, the systematic analysis of behaviour, a hierarchy of verbal strategies and physical interventions. The physical techniques are based on non-aversive age appropriate approaches and subject to the normal rigorous CALM quality assurance arrangements. These include independent bio - mechanical analysis.

The Small Holds programme can be delivered directly by CALM staff or by in house Instructors (Small Holds Instructors programme)