Verbal Refresher Training Module

Training Topic: Staff Avoiding Becoming Victim To Power Struggles Anticipated Duration: 60 mins Number Of Facilitators Needed: 1-2 Materials Required (e.g. a/v, pens/markers, paper, poster board, etc): Writing utensils, note pads, (Facilitators white board, markers) Activity: Staff will act out different scenarios with each other using different types of power struggles that are typically displayed in the milieu. The team will break into groups of two, one person acting as staff and one person acting as the acting out youth. Some of the examples will include: Back and forth arguments with the staff and youth, staff and youth not coming up with any solutions to an issue, staff uses authority to bully, and youth trying to aggravate staff purposely or instigate an altercation between them and the staff. After each scenario is performed, staff will discuss some possible solutions and interventions that could have been used either to prevent the situation or respond to the situation. Instructional Goals and Objectives:

1. Staff will be able to know when and how to pull back from an escalating crisis or situation 2. Staff will be able to determine which course of action is best to take when faced with a youth in

a particular power struggle 3. Staff will be able to effectively use their own methods of calming down by activating their own

coping skills Key Points For Facilitators: Facilitators must make sure that all staff attending the training is participating in at least one of the scenarios. Allow staff to come up with their own possible solutions before hearing feedback from other participants. Facilitators should stress the importance of staff using coping skills and cool down methods to regain control of their emotions thus, preventing power struggles or other heightened situations. Questions To Ask The Participants Upon Conclusion Of Training:

1. How will this training be beneficial to you in a crisis situation? 2. Why is it important to have coping skills and cool down methods for staff? 3. What barriers can you foresee happening when you begin implementing your strategies for

recovery?