UPDATED: The trusted & respected PART program

Pro-ACT^® is a risk management, safety enhancement tool for the organization seeking to establish a zero-restraint environment. Based on principles drawn from evidence-based practice and tested in practice for almost thirty years, Pro-ACT^® emphasizes critical thinking and behavioral supports based on assessment. Pro-ACT^® offers a basic course (16 hours), a restraint certification course (4 hours), and a Pro-ACT^® Course for In-Service Instuctors course (four-day) and Pro-ACT^® Restraint Certification Course for In-Service Instructors (one-day). Pro-ACT^® consists of a set of principles: Purpose, Professionalism, Preparation, Assessment, and Response through crisis communication, evasion, and manual restraint.

Pro-ACT^® Objective:

The Pro-ACT^® program was designed to provide professionals with the opportunity to develop necessary understanding and skills to avoid or reduce the need for restraint. Pro-ACT^® principles focus on maintaining the safety and dignity of the client while keeping everyone safe. The ultimate goal is to help clients learn alternative methods for meeting their needs and developing self-control.

Pro-ACT^® Background:

The principles used in Professional Assault Crisis Training have been in continuous development since 1968. These principles are research-based and have proven effective for over 30 years. The latest revisions, new name, and new choices of certification reflect our long-standing emphasis on avoidance in the use of restraint. This is in keeping with recent local, regional, and national trends. Workshops based on these principles are currently being taught in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Russia, Finland, and various other countries.

Pro-ACT^® Philosophy Is Designed To:

• Respect client rights and the need for a non-coercive environment;
• Minimize the risks associated with emergency response to assaultive behavior;
• Emphasize the role of supervision of employee behavior;
• Encourage strongly worded and strictly enforced policies;
• Promote regular in-service training;
• Support continuous upgrading of skills and knowledge;
• Be free of gender bias;
• Emphasize team skills;
• Provide experience in problem solving.

Pro-ACT^® is based on principles rather than techniques

While specific techniques can be re-assuring in the training room, they are not remembered or applied correctly in the crisis. Because no two violent emergencies are exactly alike, it is not possible to provide a single technique to be followed. There is no one right answer. Pro-ACT^® provides a framework of principles to stimulate critical thinking and to set parameters within which to exercise professional judgment. The framework includes professionalism, preparation, problem solving, teamwork, assessment, and effective crisis communication.

Pro-ACT^® principles and restraint

Development and implementation of an individualized primary plan (intervention or treatment plan) is the most important vehicle for maintaining safety. The need for restraint, then, can be viewed as an indication of a weakness in the primary plan or a failure to implement the plan. When the primary plan breaks down and assaultive incidents occur, restraint may become necessary, but only as a last resort. In that instance, the restraint is an indicator of a treatment failure.

Guidelines for restraint will include specific principles to be applied when critical thinking and professional judgment will be required

Pro-ACT^® Now Offers Two Certification Options

I. Professional Assault Crisis Training In-Service Instructor Certification consists of four full days of training. Participants must attend all four complete days to receive certification. No exceptions can be made. Participants should dress in loose, comfortable clothes. Long-sleeved shirts/blouses are recommended; low-heeled, closed-toed, fitted shoes are mandatory. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #14521; by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, provider #3772; and by the California Community Care Licensing - Administrator Certification Section, for up to 28 contact hours (7 hours per day).

Certification as a Professional Assault Crisis Training In-service Instructor is dependent on successful completion of the course. The certification both entitles and restricts the In-service Instructor to teach the Basic 16-hour Course for staff of the agency in which he or she is employed.

II. Professional Assault Crisis Training – Restraint Certification for In-Service Instructors who work in facilities where restraint is used. Participants must attend all five complete days to receive certification. No exceptions can be made. Dress code remains as above. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #14521; by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, provider #3772; and by the California Community Care Licensing - Administrator Certification Section, for up to 7 contact hours per day.

Certification as a Professional Assault Crisis Training - Restraint Certification In-Service Instructor is dependent upon successful completion of the five-day course. The certification both entitles and restricts the In-Service Instructor to teach staff of the sponsoring agency in which he or she is employed. The 4-hour Restraint Certification is available only to those employees who have completed the Basic 16-hour portion of the course.