HWC Newsletter - Winter 2013

This past year has been an interesting one.  The recent wave of violence in schools has brought reality and a realization of the intense need for safety in schools and human services to the forefront.  For the first time, we are seeing school boards, school superintendents, educators, principals, and human services providers all pushing back against continued attempts to place absurd restrictions on common sense responses to violence.

Bruce Chapman - Founder of Handle with Care

As we embark on this new year, we will continue our efforts to ensure that any legislation, regulation or policy that is passed provides for equal rights and equal safety for all.  We want to thank our clients for their continued support.  Always know that we are here if you need us.

Current Events

What’s new across the USA

Maine: Maine passed a regulation limiting the use of restraint only in instances where the student posed an imminent risk of physical injury.  The regulation has resulted in increased assaults, increased classroom disruption and increased property damage.  All the Maine school associations including Maine’s Educational Association, Superintendent’s Association, Principal’s Association and School Boards have issued public statements requesting that Maine’s DOE voluntarily change the regulation or face an administrative challenge.  Read Maine’s letters. Read Maine Press.

The Art of Limit Setting

Not too hard, not to soft . . . just right.

Boundaries based on overcontrol, undercontrol, and inconsistent control actually inhibit healthy testing, and reduce opportunities for learning and accepting personal responsibility. Limits are meant to provide clear and definitive answers to children’s questions about what is acceptable. They teach responsibility by holding students accountable for their choices and behavior. To do this effectively, limits must be clear, consistent, reasonable, appropriate and enforceable.

Question and Answer

Does HWC offer a comprehensive behavior management training that includes a classroom model with strategies for children between the ages of 3-7 years old with moderate to severe behaviors?

A. HWC might be the only company that can help you with a comprehensive training specifically designed specifically for this (3-7) age group.

HWC’s “Modified PRT for Smaller Children®” is a physical holding method specifically designed for small children. The hold is used at some of the most prestigious hospitals and agencies serving children and adolescents. Nursery schools across the country have been using HWC for nearly 15 years.

With respect to pre-school and early elementary (including early intervention, special education, head start, early head start and discovery preschools (TANF)), we have a stand-alone basic and instructor program specifically designed for use with 3-7 year olds. The HWC small child program includes a carry method which can be used to both safely restrain a child, and/or move him to a quieter area. It offers far more mechanical advantage (and stability) than the basket hold.

For more information