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July/August, 2006 – SAMHSA recently
released a new training curriculum to give mental health providers
the latest information on prevention strategies and alternative
approaches to avoid and reduce the use of seclusion and restraint.
The training curriculum, Roadmap
to Seclusion and Restraint Free Mental Health Services for
Persons of All Ages, is organized in seven modules
and emphasizes the importance of creating cultural change
within organizations to effect reduction in seclusion and
restraint practices.
Specifically, the document outlines best
practices in the use of trauma-informed care and other aspects
to support resiliency and recovery of people with mental illnesses
while avoiding seclusion and restraint practices that can
harm rather than help. Curriculum modules discuss specific
strategies including self-care approaches, peer-provided services,
arts programs, comfort rooms, and other approaches designed
to enhance service environments and consumer participation
as means to avoid the use of restraint and seclusion. In addition,
a range of other approaches are described, including advance
directives, mediation, and communication approaches. Each
represents a potential tool for providers to ensure consumer
safety. Techniques for sustaining reduction efforts via consumer
and staff involvement as well as a listing of resources are
included. The curriculum employs a unique consumer-driven
approach that was successfully pilot-tested prior to publication.
Available in CD-ROM format, the curriculum
provides complete lesson plans and handouts for each training
module. Online, the curriculum is available from SAMHSA's
National Mental Health Information Center at www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/sma06-4055.
To order a CD-ROM, call the Center at 1 (800) 789-2647.
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