To safely manage these potential crises, all PHILLIPS student support specialists and staff are trained in the evidence-based and nationally recognized crisis intervention program, Right Response.  Right Response emphasizes proactive and holistic interventions that effectively maintain safety. De-escalation principles assist children who may feel overwhelmed to regain control and safety. Among these are verbal support, such as active listening, offering options and choices, problem-solving, managing proximity, and being prepared to offer physical safety assistance as needed. Staff implementing Right Response strategies utilize the least intrusive responses to students that will meet their needs and assist them (in our case, the children) in going from fear, anxiety, or loss of control to a sense of safety and self-control.

Student support services staff are first taught the elements of self-care to prepare physically, emotionally, and mentally to meet the needs of children with behavioral challenges. In addition, many strategies of prevention, early intervention, and de-escalation are taught to avoid crises. All student support specialists are trained in physical safety techniques for those moments when students become harmful to themselves or others.

Following moments of crisis, staff use the debriefing process to learn which interventions were effective and which were not as effective with that particular child or circumstance. In all situations, PHILLIPS staff are trained to use the least intrusive technique to meet the child's needs while demonstrating respect for that child's dignity and maintaining safety.