Use of De-Escalation Strategies Training

GHA Autism Supports is pleased to offer its State of North Carolina Approved “The Positive Interventions Program” (PIP) Training. This competency-based Interventions curriculum is designed for agencies and personnel providing services and support to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. 

This curriculum focuses on teaching safe and humane de-escalation tactics and training, designed with respect and understanding of those being served at the core of the program.

PIP certification prepares staff to better understand and assist individuals diagnosed with developmental differences in a variety of settings and situations. Prevention and de-escalation strategies are taught utilizing in-person written and maneuvers training and testing. Defensive blocks and releases are incorporated into this comprehensive training, providing staff with crucial techniques designed to assist them in dealing with maladaptive behaviors which could pose a danger to themselves, individuals or others.

Upon completion of this curriculum, staff will:

· Understand all program requirements and expectations and the process for initial and annual re-certification training;

· Understand prohibited interventions as they relate to service administration;

· Understand their specific role and responsibilities in the overall care and support of individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health concerns;

· Understand identified basics of human behavior and communication and how to react and respond to negative behavioral escalation and outbursts from individuals with developmental differences;

· Understand “Debriefing” and how to appropriately follow up after any type of behavioral crisis.

The PIP is Non-Restrictive:

The PIP includes non-restrictive hands-on defensive blocks and releases (physical interventions) training, but does not include restrictive interventions such as physical restraint, seclusion, isolation time-out or the use of behavioral protective devices. The PIP is specifically designed to ensure the upmost safety for both staff and individuals served who are experiencing a behavioral crisis.

Certification:

Certificates are issued for trainees who pass both the written and physical testing. The PIP Training is valid for 1 year. A shortened refresher course is required annually thereafter to maintain certification.

Location:

Individual staff may participate in PIP training at a GHA location or a PIP instructor can train on-site at another agency or community site. Training sites must offer sufficient space for physical maneuvers training.

Cost:

Cost varies depending on the number of individuals requesting training and whether the training requires instructor travel. To discuss PIP cost and scheduling, contact John Fields at 704-982-9600 or johnfields@ghainc.org.