Aggression

Including threats and property damage but not including violence towards self or others (Violent Outburst)

Preventative Strategies

To prevent aggression from Raizler, youth workers should focus on creating a supportive environment that prioritises empathy, respect, and clear communication. This starts with identifying and mitigating potential stressors or triggers that could lead to aggressive behaviour. Being proactive in this way involves a thorough understanding of the young person’s Individual Care and Safety Plan (ICSP) and incorporating strategies such as Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) principles, which include de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies.

It is crucial to recognise early signs of agitation or distress and intervene early to prevent escalation. This may involve employing active listening and empathetic responses to validate Raizler's feelings and address their concerns authentically. By offering support and assistance in tackling underlying issues that contribute to distress, youth workers can help mitigate feelings of helplessness or frustration that often precede aggressive reactions.

Building rapport and trust through consistent demonstrations of empathy, understanding, and respect is foundational. Youth workers should maintain a calm and non-confrontational demeanor, which helps reduce tension and promote cooperation. Non-verbal communication also plays a significant role; open and accepting body language and facial expressions can foster a reassuring environment.

Effective communication is key: using clear, concise, and non-threatening language helps in setting expectations, defining boundaries, and explaining available options. Providing choices and alternatives is also beneficial as it may support Raizler to feel empowered and enhance their sense of control over their situation.

It is essential to avoid punitive language or threats, which can intensify an already volatile situation and damage the trust built between the youth and the caregiver. Instead, focusing on positive reinforcement and constructive feedback can lead to better outcomes, fostering a stable and less aggressive environment.

Reactive Strategies

Remain calm and composed in the face of aggression, and avoid reacting impulsively or defensively.

Maintain a safe distance and avoid physical contact unless necessary for safety reasons.

Use active listening techniques to validate the individual's feelings and concerns while redirecting the focus toward problem-solving and resolution.

Follow Raizler's ICSP and report back to the leadership and team on what is working and not working for the young person to ensure this documents serves as a live document to support the team.

Be aware of the elements of a potentially violent situation and how this situation could escalated to a violent outburst and how to proactive avoid this.