Verbal Intervention Training & Blue Card Certification through the Crisis Prevention Institute

Verbal Intervention Training trains staff to respond to crisis situations with a focus on de-escalation techniques and safe, non-restrictive interventions.

Verbal Intervention Training is a blended training.  One week prior to the in-person class date, registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions to access the online learning component.  This online content must be completed no later than the day before in-person training.  Then, participants will join for a four-hour in-person session from 9am-1pm to review, practice, and apply the content learned during the online portion, as well as learn and practice skills related to crisis de-escalation.

Who should attend:

• All new hires who have not yet completed certification at SOS Children’s Villages Illinois

• Any employees who have not yet completed Blue Card Certification at SOS;

• Any employees whose Blue Card Certification has expired or will expire prior to the next class.

Program Objectives:

• Identify and know how to respond to various levels of crisis behaviors.

• Recognize how to manage your own consistent, calm behavior in order to influence a positive outcome in a crisis situation.

• Learn strategies to strengthen nonverbal communication.

• Develop limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.

• Learn safety intervention strategies to maximize safety and minimize harm.

• Explore a framework to help guide staff and the individuals in distress through a process of re-establishing the relationship.

  Important Reminders:

• Masks that fully cover your mouth and nose are required for all participants.

• Be prepared for one-on-one contact during skills practice.

• Participants should dress in professional attire that allows for movement, minimal jewelry, and shoes with a rubber sole.  

• This training will involve being physically active, practicing personal safety techniques, participating in roleplays, and taking a post-test at the conclusion of the course.

• Training will start promptly at 9am, and no participants will be admitted after 9:15am.  To earn certification, you must:

• Complete online training prior to the in-person class session;

• Be present, both physically and mentally, for the duration of the training;

• Participate in discussions and activities;

• Demonstrate competency in all required skills;

• Score at least an 80% on the Verbal Intervention post-test.

• Certification is valid for  year.

 As always, if you need childcare or other work-related accomodations for this training, please contact your supervisor.