Practicing the Low Demand Model with Your Staff

Practicing the Low Demand Model with Your Staff Paul Smits, LCSW Senior Policy Analyst University of South Florida M. Scott Young , PhD Research Assistant Professor University of South Florida

Getting the New Model in Focus • Talk about the new model often • Talk about the differences in the new model • Use examples of how the model differs from the old model • Listen to the struggle of staff with the new model and help them brain storm on Low Demand/Harm Reduction approaches

Incident Reviews • Review all client incidents with staff and make sure “bad behavior” is not ignored • Focus on the opportunities to improve practice using harm reduction approaches • Reward staff interventions that practice harm reduction strategies

Best Practices • Morning huddles • Help staff practice the model one on one

Helping Staff Address Infractions • Shifting from punitive approaches to positive engagement • Have you addressed zero tolerance and punitive responses in your policies and procedures and code of conduct? • Practicing positive engagement with your staff after episodes of bad behavior • Reminding staff that Low Demand does NOT mean ignoring bad behavior and rule violations

The Learning Curve Practice Patience

Discussion

Practicing the Low Demand Model with Your Staff