Staff train in nationally recognized crisis intervention approach
Twenty Saint Francis staff from four states gathered at SFM’s Otis campus in Salina and in Fort Worth, Texas, in December to learn how to train others in an innovative, trauma-informed alternative to restraint and seclusion of persons considered a danger to themselves or others, including SFM staff. Ukeru® (pronounced oo-KARE-oo), “to receive,” is the first crisis intervention training program to eliminate restraint and seclusion as accepted behavioral management tools.
According to Grafton Integrated Health Network, which developed the Ukeru system, “for individuals who have experienced traumatic events — whether through physical abuse, severe neglect, loss, and domestic violence or more common experiences such as bullying, shame, fear, and anxiety — the impact of re-experiencing that trauma through the use restraint and seclusion can be devastating, leading to more aggression and fueling a psychologically destructive cycle.
“Reducing and preventing these practices, on the other hand, enhances quality of treatment and increases satisfaction for those both receiving and providing services. With a trauma-informed approach and the proper training, restrictive practices like restraint and seclusion can be reduced without compromising the safety of clients or employees.”
In addition to improving client outcomes, Ukeru is directly connected to decreased staff injuries, workers’ compensation premiums, lost time, and turnover. The system is based on receiving information communicated through another’s actions and offers a comforting, restraint-free, trauma-informed approach to interaction that helps staff:
- Respond to challenging behaviors safely and compassionately.
- Develop proactive strategies and de-escalation techniques.
- Focus on building trusting relationships.
- Use of soft, protective blocking pads, allowing staff to protect themselves.
Fifteen staff from the northern region (Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Kansas) attended a two-day course in Salina to become certified Ukeru trainers. Five staff members from Texas also participated in sessions in Fort Worth. Each joins members of the Saint Francis Residentials in moving towards a restraint-free organization. Saint Francis Residentials in Kansas and Texas have recently implemented the Mandt Shield and Pad program, which uses a similar approach to de-escalating behaviors and removing the reliance on restraints.
“The Crisis De-Escalation Implementation Team is developing a plan for rolling out this training to staff across service lines, in all states in which Saint Francis serves,” said Vice President of Clinical Services Amanda Beneway. “There will be an initial concentrated effort in particular locations to learn about the process and help roll it out successfully. Ultimately, we hope to integrate the model across Saint Francis.”
Texas Home Visiting: An important part of SFM’s prevention work
Since August 2024, Saint Francis Ministries has partnered with Texas families in McLennan and Bell Counties to offer them hope in crisis and help them create opportunities for positive change before any involvement with foster care or child protective services becomes necessary. The partnership is part of Texas Home Visiting (THV), a free, voluntary program through which early childhood and health professionals regularly visit the homes of families with at least one child five years old or younger. Texas Home Visiting grants were instituted by the state in 2012, using evidence-based home visiting models to support positive outcomes for children, increase family self-sufficiency, and create communities where children and families can thrive.
