May 13 & 14, 2025

In Person

9:00 am-4:00 pm

203 Maine Ave.

Bangor, ME 04401

The PACT – Positive Approaches to Crisis Training is a 12 hour program designed to incorporate into one curriculum some of the most important values to consider when supporting someone with challenging behavior. Though most who support people are aware of the importance of continuously assessing their skills, knowledge and effectiveness as a supporter, when faced with the responsibility of supporting someone who constantly tests the limits and patience of others and puts them at risk of personal injury, the “golden rule” is sometimes misplaced.

The intent of this course is to rekindle the empathy and understanding of those you support while recognizing that they are not so different than you or I. There is a reason and a purpose for everything people do. Supporting someone with challenging behavior is a difficult task and unfortunately there is never a “one size fits all” solution to offering support. For many decades, the use of power and control was the solution used for many of the people you support with challenging behavior. Unfortunately the “survival of the fittest” approach did nothing other than to cause physical and emotional harm to people who were acting in a certain manner for a reason and a purpose!

The PACT– curriculum emphasizes the use of the positive approach to providing supports as the most effective approach in assisting people to learn to manage their challenging behavior. By focusing on such areas as communication, boundaries, relationships, attitude, stress and problem solving, supporters will learn ways of offering support that can decrease some of the “lose-lose” situations that lead to physical harm and injury.
One-third of the PACT curriculum addresses the supporters’ response to crisis, including physical interaction techniques that focus on maximum safety, dignity and respect for all. The curriculum incorporates the state of Maine regulations governing the use of restraints and behavioral techniques as well as all applicable laws surrounding the rights of people with disabilities.
-OHI Professional Development Team