Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the Nonviolent Crisis InterventionSM training programme primarily about physical restraints?
A. The simple answer is, "NO." Whilst it is recognised that there may be last resort occasions when physical controls may be necessary, the emphasis of the programme is on de-escalating behaviour PRIOR to the individual becoming physically assaultive, thus maximising verbal and non-verbal communication skills of the staff member to achieve this. The goal is that the least restrictive solution to the behaviour presented is utilised.
Q. Is this training relevant to the individuals supported in my particular profession?
A. The programme has been successfully delivered to more than 5.4 million service staff around the world including teachers, nurses, caregivers, security personnel, social welfare staff, and police services. The principles of the programme have been successfully used at organisations committed to realistically preparing staff to intervene respectfully and safely in difficult, even potentially violent situations. Through CPI's Four-Day Instructor Certification Programme, organisations have been able to properly customise and tailor the programme content, with the ongoing guidance and support of CPI's Instructor Services. In-house Instructors, certified by CPI, are then able to cascade the training throughout the organisation and assure that the programme concepts are being appropriately applied to situations requiring staff intervention. Staff responsible for the care of others at your organisation will find the course content will prepare them to help the individuals they support, regain control of themselves, and to keep them (and others) safe.
Q. What components make up Nonviolent Crisis InterventionSM training?
A. The programme identifies levels of behaviours that can be seen in an escalating situation. Using these identified behaviour levels, the most appropriate and effective staff responses and strategies are identified and practised. The first day of the programme looks at verbal and non-verbal communication skills and how these can positively affect the individual losing control. Participants explore how their own attitudes and behaviours can also impact—positively or negatively—on moments of crisis, and personal strategies to ensure they do not become part of the problem, but part of the solution. The day closes with personal safety; how staff can protect themselves and others without harming the individual in crisis. The second day of the programme reviews the first day’s content, then looks at "last resort" moments when safe, effective, physical controls may be the only option. The programme also considers how team intervention is beneficial for all and closes with information to consider after the crisis event is over.
Q. How do I become an Instructor? What is involved in the complete Instructor Certification process and what are the benefits?
A. To become a "Certified Instructor" you must successfully complete Nonviolent Crisis InterventionSM training (days one and two) and then complete an additional two consecutive days of training to qualify as an Instructor of the programme. Instructor candidates are involved in practice teaching and problem solving, preparing participants to customise course content for their workplaces. This “train the trainer" portion of the programme looks at how to teach elements of the first two days back to the group in preparation for returning to your organisation. You will receive information on effective adult training techniques and important elements to use when applying course content to workplace realities. Instructor candidates receive feedback and support from CPI's Professional Staff Instructors. The course also explores the quality standards for Instructor Excellence to which you will be required to adhere while representing the programme. Instructor candidates will receive information on the multitude of resources available to them through the Institute and their access to ongoing consultation with CPI, which will assist in the continual development of their in-house Training Process.
Upon successful completion of the Instructor training course, which includes both written and practical competency-based testing, Instructors will recognise that the training was just the first step in their ongoing relationship with the Crisis Prevention Institute and the International Association of Nonviolent Crisis InterventionSM Certified Instructors (IANCICI).
Q. How long is the training?
A. Each day of training in the programme consists of six hours (an hour for lunch is not included in this) and usually runs from 09:00 to 16:00. Certified Instructors taking the course back to their workplaces will have several options in teaching the core content which will require 6–12 hours, depending on objectives. However, it must be emphasised that the CPI philosophy is that training in the critical area of violence prevention/ behaviour management and crisis intervention must be viewed as an ongoing process. The basic core foundation of the programme forms the beginning of practice, drills, policy review, and refreshing skills, all building on this initial training.
Q. Does the training have accreditation or meet current legislation?
A. The programme itself has been accredited by the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) since 2002 via its Physical Interventions Accreditation Scheme. This process harmonises with the Statutory Guidance issued by the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills in July 2002, with their Guidance for Restrictive Physical Interventions.
The Nonviolent Crisis InterventionSM Training Programme is fully compliant with the National Syllabus for Conflict Resolution Training as issued by the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service and supports the requirements found in the all Wales NHS violence and aggression training passport and information scheme. Additionally in 2005, we developed training units to meet the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) national training syllabus for mental health and learning disability services.
The training programme also meets the criteria of Section 93 of the 2006 Education Act, in addition to the DfEE circular 10/98 on "Training and Guidance" and the government’s directives to reduce school exclusions.
To date, the programme has also received recognition with the Office of Health Management (Ireland), and the Crisis Prevention Institute itself received Quality Award Centre Status by the Institute of Conflict Management (UK).
Additionally, the programme has accreditation as a best practice model with numerous bodies around the world. The Crisis Prevention Institute continues monitoring appropriate bodies within the United Kingdom and Ireland with which to conduct accreditation processes.
Furthermore, the Crisis Prevention Institute is committed to assisting any organisations to meet internal or external guidelines or mandates that are consistent with the Nonviolent Crisis InterventionSM programme philosophy of helping staff problem solve difficult situations whilst maintaining the Care, Welfare, Safety, and SecuritySM of all involved in crisis moments. Through the unmatched follow-up support and consultation with Instructor Services, Certified Instructors will be able to identify areas of the programme where further information or skill development is required and access the appropriate supplementary training modules and resources from the Institute.
Q. What are the backgrounds of the Institute's Instructors?
A. The Professional Staff Instructors employed by the Crisis Prevention Institute have a wealth of experience in service provision both locally and internationally—including education services, social work, nursing, and correctional facilities.
Q. Why become a Certified Instructor?
A. Becoming a Certified Instructor brings many benefits. You will be able to deliver three forms of the programme—the full two-day programme, the one-day seminar which does not include the restrictive physical interventions, and a refresher workshop.
Furthermore, Certified Instructors have exclusive access to a multitude of resources for ongoing training, practise, review, and policy development—at no additional charge. CPI documents all training conducted by Certified Instructors, allowing you to have access to training records. Instructors have continual access to problem-solving consultation with CPI's Professional Instructor team via local and freephone contact with CPI’s European and International Headquarters.
By becoming an Instructor, you will become an Associate Level member of IANCICI. Additional training programmes are offered for further professional development which allow for advancement to Senior Associate and Master Associate Level status.
Instructors also receive regular journals and literature from the Crisis Prevention Institute free of charge whilst meeting the criteria as a Certified Instructor.
You have the option to return, free of charge, to "refresh" your skills and knowledge of the Nonviolent Crisis InterventionSM programme. This provides a great opportunity to acquire additional training tips and examples, as well as share experiences with other Instructors. As part of the accreditation held with BILD,Certified Instructors within this specified area are expected to attend a refresher at intervals of between 12 and 15 months.
The freephone consultation line is also available for Certified Instructors to access the IANCICI resource library and exclusive access to the IANCICI website.
Additional queries? Please contact CPI.