The CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (3rd Edition) course prepares participants to effectively prevent and de-escalate medium to high-risk behaviors using non-restrictive methods. Designed for individuals working in the shelter, housing, and homelessness sectors, this course is taught by CPI Certified Instructors who follow the Toronto Shelter Standards hands-off policy. We do NOT teach physical holds, and this will be recorded on your Blue Card and in the CPI database.
The course introduces the Crisis Development Model, a proprietary 4-step process for turning crises into opportunities for positive outcomes, and the Decision-Making Matrix, which helps create objective responses to high-risk behavior. Participants will also explore the effects of trauma and brain psychology on both the person in crisis and the responder. The training emphasizes verbal de-escalation strategies and disengagement techniques.
Learning Objectives
- Understand and apply the Crisis Development Model to manage crisis situations.
- Use the Decision-Making Matrix to plan objective responses to high-risk behaviors.
- Identify and explore the effects of trauma and brain psychology on individuals in crisis.
- Apply verbal de-escalation strategies to prevent escalation of crisis situations.
- Demonstrate disengagement techniques to safely manage crisis situations.
Learning Outcomes
- Be able to assess and respond to medium to high-risk behaviors using non-restrictive, non-physical methods.
- Effectively use verbal de-escalation strategies to diffuse potential crises.
- Be equipped to safely disengage from high-risk situations while prioritizing safety for all involved.
- Have a better understanding of trauma and its effect on individuals in crisis and on responders.
- Gain the ability to use evidence-based techniques that reduce staff injuries, suspensions, and improve staff retention.
Instructor(s): Nicki Casseres, Bobbie Gunn, Julian Munsayac or Laura Sanford
Mode(s): Self-Paced Modules + Live In-Person
Length: Self-Paced + One (1) Day
Cost: $230 per person
Target Group: All
Prerequisites: Only IDEA TC members are eligible to take this course.
Validity (Certification Timeline): One (1) year
Disclaimer:
This course includes physical elements, specifically disengagement techniques. Participants must be able to physically complete these disengagements to receive certification. If your organization requires training on physical holds, it is recommended to have your own CPI Certified Instructor to ensure that staff are properly trained on physical interventions. The course does not teach restrictive holds, and any reference to physical holds will be clearly noted on your Blue Card and in the CPI database.
Self-paced modules must be completed no later than 24 business hours prior to the live in-person session.