| From Strugglingteens.com Essays That is the Question For many years I have listened to the debate regarding the use of restraints by transport agents. There are those who incorporate handcuffs or other mechanical restraints into their S.O.P. (standard operating procedure) and always use them. There are also those who profess a strict "hands off" policy and never use restraints. I have come to learn that this is quite a sensitive subject that many would like to side step if possible. Given the sensitive nature of our industry and the scrutiny of operating under an ever widening magnifying glass of criticism, that mindset is unrealistic and can lead to unforeseen problems for everyone. Consider the facts and draw your own conclusion.
Both situations have the propensity to produce dangerous results. The agent who is willing to "wing-it" must improvise as he/she will likely have little if any training in physical restraint and detainment techniques (as there is no reason for this type of training in a company that professes a total "hands-off" policy). Also, an inexperienced agent will likely overcompensate if physically engaged by the individual in crisis. Therein resides the potential for harm… to both the aggressor and the agent. When physically threatened, it is human nature for the body to react with the "fight or flight" syndrome. Essentially, this syndrome is the brain's chemical response to fear, anxiety, stress, and/or anger. The brain releases bursts of adrenaline throughout the blood stream which, in turn, fuels the body's muscles with extreme energy. If an agent is not experienced in working under this type of duress he/she could over exert themselves and, unintentionally, physically harm the adolescent or themselves. The agent who decides to disengage and allow the adolescent to leave has failed as well. The child has just been given information that he/she is being sent away to an intervention program. If not taken into custody at this critical juncture the adolescent may likely run or worse, attempt to harm those responsible for making this decision. Once information is given to the child you must be prepared to and capable of seeing the initial intervention through to completion. An agent should never negotiate with the child. It sets precedence for future noncompliance and lack of accountability. As an adolescent should always be held accountable for their actions, so must the agent(s) working with the child. An agent going back on his/her word or making false promises will only slow down and harm the positive intervention process for the adolescent and his/her family (not to mention causing the adolescent to distrust those who will be working with him/her at the program). If necessary, it is better to withhold information for a time than to lie to the child. During the transport a good agent will do everything in his/her power not to embarrass the adolescent in private or public. He/she will also mentally prepare the child for their intervention placement. Although transport agents need to operate with a "tough love" attitude they need to operate with the mindset that compassion must always take precedence. A qualified transport agent will be certified and proficient in non-combative crisis intervention utilizing verbal de-escalation techniques. The agent should be certified by an industry recognized crisis intervention and de-escalation certification i.e. (Non-violent Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Therapeutic Aggression Control Techniques (TACT 2), or Advanced Conflict Resolution & Restraint Reduction Mandt). The basics of these courses teach recognition and levels of conflict and crisis, verbal de-escalation techniques, and DDT (detention and detainment techniques). DDT utilizes the body's own mechanics to safely secure an individual without the use of foreign restraints (hand cuffs, shackles, zip-ties, etc…) For example, at Guardian Angel it is standard operating procedure for our agents to employ DDT only when an adolescent is a physical threat to himself/herself or the public as a whole. If the adolescent has escalated too far and his/her "on scene" threat assessment indicates a high potential for PHYSICAL harm then our S.O.P. warrants temporary use of mechanical restraints employed by agents trained to use them correctly. Restrains should never be used as a punishment and should only be utilized until the adolescent de-escalates. Verbal threats or passive reactions never warrant the utilization of mechanical restraint measures. In closing, the most ultimate goal for agents should be to treat each and every adolescent in your custody as though he/she was your very own child. About The Author: Timothy Smith is the Co-owner of Guardian Angel Youth Services, which has transported at-risk youth for over a decade. 866-240-5142, www.guardianangel.cc. April 15, 2007 I have no idea what the women's comment meant but, I do know that Timothy Smith is absolutely correct. I should have used Guardian Angel when I needed help with my daughter. The company that we used did not restrain her and she ran away. Our daughter was missing for over three weeks because they failed to do their job. Some of these teens need to be restrained. Thank you. Jim Nightshade Arizona April 09, 2007 Hi I live in Florida where the cops are "macho-man" and always use restrictive measures immediately. Thus, they are not trained in CPI, TACT 2 or DDT. What would the purpose of that be, when you can just assume they are on drugs, may have a concealed weapon or will run immediately because that is what adolescents see regularly and view on "COPS" TV shows. Excessive violent "man-handling" is never accepable unless someone has already injured anyone (self or others) but techniques that prevent serious injury in the least restrictive manner should be used with teens and compromised adults with known disorders such as Alzheimer patients. I think many are plain frightened and agree with the adrenalin rushing and producing fight or flight in a natural response. More investigation needs to be done into alternative methods (not stun guns!) that are safer for de-escalation of our youth in schools, care facilities, transportation and camp situations in the wilderness therapies. © Copyright 2012 by Woodbury Reports, Inc. |