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A new training curriculum, released today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA), provides mental health providers with the latest
information on prevention strategies and alternative approaches to avoid and
reduce the use of seclusion and restraint.
The training curriculum, A 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 impact seclusion
and restraint reduction. 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 discuses 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, service animals, 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. It is offered in CD-Rom format, provides complete
lesson plans and handouts for each training module and is available at SAMHSA’s
National Mental Health Information Center at www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov or 1-800-789-2647.
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SAMHSA, is a public health agency within the Department
of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving
the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation’s
substance abuse prevention, addictions, treatment, and mental health
services delivery system.
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