Safe Crisis Management provides staff with a capacity to prevent or safely respond to dangerous situations.

Currently, school personnel must at times physically manage students in crisis for the protection of the student and others.  In these crisis situations, where the student or others are in imminent danger, this sometimes requires physical restraint or seclusion. 

Training of personnel is required under state law.  Typically, only school personnel serving students in more restrictive settings are trained in this methodology.  Safe Crisis Management is a comprehensive training program focused on preventing and managing crisis events and improving safety.  Safe Crisis Management uses a trauma-sensitive approach with emphasis on building positive relationships.  This training is required for some instructional personnel. The training provides a comprehensive continuum of prevention, de-escalation and safe emergency intervention strategies for responding to aggressive behavior.  Safe Crisis Management promotes safety and reduces potential liability.

Safe Crisis Management has been used in Clay County since 1983.  Other methodologies have been reviewed and Safe Crisis Management continues to be the preferred option for crisis intervention.  The attached chart shows the consistent downward trend of restraints and seclusion incidents over the past three years under Safe Crisis Management. There is a continued focus on reducing incidents of restraint and seclusion. Further reductions can be achieved with the continued instruction of de-escalation strategies through the Safe Crisis Management Program.  Annually the number of staff trained in restraint/seclusion is 2013-14 = 281, 2015-16 = 250, 2016-17 = 217, 2017-18 = 296.

Approval of this agenda item will ensure that a research-based crisis prevention methodology remains available for staff and students.

5.2 Provide on-going training and support for the teacher, support staff, and leaders.

Continue training in the Safe Crisis Management Program for ESE employees 2018-19.