Resources on Training

It is critically important to train school staff on ways to de-escalate situations and avoid the need for restraint, on how to determine when it is necessary and appropriate to restrain, and how to restrain properly if restraint is necessary.

When selecting a training program, ask questions about the focus and content of the training program offered by each vendor as some training programs focus more on prevention and  de-escalation than others. Find out the types of restraints the training program teaches, if it includes information about warning signs of distress or injuries to children being restrained, and if it covers related process issues around restraints such as debriefing, documentation and reporting.

Preventing Physical Restraints in Schools contains a listing of some factors to consider when choosing a training program.

The Child Welfare League of America also has a  publication called Best Practice Guidelines for Behavior Support and Intervention Training that provides information to use when selecting a training vendor to ensure the training complies with legal requirements and focuses on preventing the need for restraints. CWLA recommends at least half of training time be dedicated to prevention and de-escalation techniques, risks of intervention and debriefing.

The following is a list of some organizations that provide training (their inclusion in this website is for informational purposes only and is not an endorsement):

Crisis Prevention Institute

Handle with Care

JKM Training Inc.

The Mandt System 

Merrimack Education Center

Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) Training

New England Center for Children’s CALM program

Response Training Programs 

Safe Physical Management, LLC

Tact2 Crisis Prevention Training

Therapeutic Options

There may also be state or local or state based training vendors. Check local and state listings.

The Education Law Resource Center sponsors the Restraint Prevention Project which provides scholarships for educators to attend training programs about behavior management and physical restraints.