The Mandt System® | Building healthy relationships since 1975

First I want to say “thanks” for your guidance and expertise during our Mandt training last week. Combining new trainers with recertified trainers was such a nice touch.

I wanted to follow up on something that was mentioned during this training: I have been a Mandt trainer for more than ten years now and I have always thought that a reduction in the need for restraints is one of the most important things to focus on at our mental health agency. I know that this is an important goal for Mandt, as well, as it is something that we discuss at every Mandt training. About the time I became a Mandt trainer my agency opened a new “Children's” building staffed by new, young employees. Unfortunately, restraints were not uncommon and training in this area was badly needed. A few weeks ago, because of State budget constraints, we had to close that building but I wanted to tell you that we were able to reduce the number of restraints by, at least, 95% in our childrens' programs. This reduction in restraints had nothing to do with the children coming to that building and everything to do with the teamwork and training that the staff enjoyed while that program operated. Many of those staff members have now transitioned over to our Adult programs in other buildings and they bring with them a sense of “team” that, I'm sure, will contribute greatly to their new environments.

Bob, I am convinced that the Mandt system played a major role in how the staff thought, felt and behaved. I want to thank you and the rest of your Mandt team for sharing so much wisdom over the past years and I wish you all the very best. If all providers could just study and practice Chapters one, two and three from your manual we might, one day, see a restraint-free country! Can you imagine what might happen if everyone studied, and used, the entire manual?

Sincerely,
Jerald J. Hogan
Manager, Community Integration Services
Northeast Occupational Exchange