Course Description

Content will cover: Need for safety training; impact of violent incidents on providers, clients and others; risk factors for violence among mentally disordered individuals and general populations (interpersonal, institutional and physical plant/environmental); prediction of violence; tips on evaluating dangerousness; case-based scenarios with increased risk; team approach to safe practice; risk reduction (short staffing, high-risk situations); situational awareness models; linear aggression sequence; avoiding common pitfalls; teamwork, communication and practical support in crisis situations; safe transport, field work and home visit safety; self- defense techniques (hands-off approach); incident review and lessons learned (post-incident debriefing and mentorship/supervision).