HWC Spring 2015 Newsletter!

HWC News & Updates

Hello!  This HWC Newsletter focuses on the Horizon.  We will explore trends in managing challenging behavior; how science is finally catching up with what HWC has known for decades; new HWC projects and HWC’s advocacy regarding restraint regulations around the country.  We hope to inspire you to join our community.


56 % Reduction in number ofrestraints and injuriesRestraint graph statistic

Company experiences a 56% reduction in number of restraints and injuries one year after switching to HWC.

This experience is not unique, most schools, hospital and facilities that switch to HWC experience a 30-50% on average reduction in number of restraints and injuries.

One reason: HWC uses definitive not tentative touch.


Tentative v. Definitive Touch: How science is finally catching up with reality 

There is a distinction between tentative v. definitive touch that science is finally catching up with.  Science is finding that tentative touch overstimulates, excites  and further agitates someone whereas definitive touch creates safe-feeling, calm and secure therapeutic state of mind.  

A holding method that is tentative does not convey clear and safe parameters reflects and belies the fear, apprehension and absence of commitment of the person or people performing the hold. 

A hold like HWC’s PRT, communicates calmness and certainty and helps to reproduce a state of calm in the child and a more rapid return to emotional homeostasis and equilibrium.  In other words, a definitive touch hold performed by someone with a benign heart produces a more rapid return to a calm mind state.

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Current Events: Indiana Public Schools – what happens when school policy prevents teachers from stopping fights 

A girl was attacked at an Indianapolis Public School (“IPS”) by a male student.  A cell phone video captured the attack involving a male student viciously beating a girl while a teacher watches.

The teacher never intervenes because according to IPS policy, staffers are not allowed to put their hands on students.

Find out why IPS’s policy is both ill-advised and illegal.

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Wave of States looking to enact laws regarding restraint and seclusion in schools

Legislation at the Federal level to regulate restraint and seclusion in schools has repeatedly failed.  

As a result states are being lobbied by advocacy groups to pass restraint laws.  The following states have recently proposed or enacted restraint laws: VA, AZ, CT and WA. 

Contact us to request a legal synopsis of restraint law in your state.