Distress is met with containment, not punishment. Behaviour is understood as communication. Every team member is trained to read early signs and respond before escalation, not after.
1. De-escalate
Every team member is trained in CPI verbal and safety interventions (Crisis Prevention Institute). The first response is calm, not consequences. CPI provides a shared, evidence-informed framework that supports team members to recognise early signs of distress, respond with calm and respectful communication, and prevent escalation wherever possible.
2. Restore safety
Reduce demands, calm tone, presence. Discussion comes after the moment, not during. Physical interventions are a last resort, only when there is no safer option, used in line with organisational policy, legislative requirements, and the rights of the child, young person, or young adult.
3. Notify and record
The notification chain (Tusla, HSE, family or guardian, social worker, Gardaí where relevant) is being confirmed with the senior team in the kickoff call. This section will be replaced with the actual sequence once confirmed.
4. Review, learn, improve
Every incident is reviewed in a reflective and learning-focused manner. Reviews consider not only the immediate response, but whether grounding, clarity, and connection were sufficiently in place prior to escalation. Findings inform individual care planning, team practice, and service development, supporting continuous improvement and safer care.
Out-of-hours
If you are a referrer or a family and a question can't wait, the out-of-hours senior contact is being confirmed in the kickoff call and will be set as a tel: link here once available.
The use of CPI does not replace relational or developmental care; it supports teams to maintain safety while preserving trust, dignity, and connection during periods of heightened distress.
