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Seclusion & Restraint Reduction

Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar XIII

In December 2004, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health convened the Thirteenth Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar in Austin. This biennial two-day seminar focused on "Safe and Appropriate Behavioral Interventions: Changing the Culture of Care." Experts in the field gave presentations and guidelines were developed in work sessions.

The first day featured presentations by experts in the field, who addressed ways in which Texas agencies could encourage safe and appropriate alternatives to the use of seclusion and restraint. Featured speakers included Mr. Lloyd Bullard of the Child Welfare League of America; Dr. Joel Dvoskin, Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona and consultant and trainer on violence prevention; Ms. Aaryce Hayes, program specialist at Advocacy Inc.; Representative Elliott Naishtat, Texas House of Representatives; and Ms. Laura Prescott, Sister Witness International. View the program agenda.

The second day convened a select group of direct care providers, administrators, policymakers, advocates, and consumers participating in six task groups to provide practical guidelines for frontline providers and a framework to help decision makers promote agency culture change regarding behavioral interventions.

A publication and companion CD were developed from the conference proceedings.