Foster Care Manual: How to Restrain a Violent Person
This information has been excerpted from materials specific to one state. Be sure to check with your Foster Care Specialist for details in your state, county, or province.
(Do not use these techniques unless you have had specific training in this area.)
REQUIREMENT: MUST HAVE 2-3 HELPERS. IF YOU ARE ALONE, USE SELF-DEFENSE, IF NEEDED, AND CALL FOR ASSISTANCE.
1. Have one helper hold each of the violent person’s wrists/arms. It is most important not to let go of the wrists/arms once the helpers have taken hold. Wait until the violent person tires a bit to proceed.
2. Continue holding the violent person’s wrist with one hand and push down on his/her shoulder with the other hand.
3. Each helper place a foot in front of the violent person’s foot. The helper uses his/her closest foot and places it in front of the violent person’s closest foot.
4. Bend the violent person over at the waist.
5. Wrap the violent person’s arm around the helper’s waist. Both helpers do the same. Be sure to bend the violent person’s elbows out so as not to injure him/her.
6. If the violent person is big and/or strong, have a third helper push down on the violent person’s back between their shoulder blades to assist in bending the violent person over and hold him/her in that position.
7. If the violent person continues to resist, gradually push him/her closer toward the floor until he/she ceases to resist.
8. Call for police assistance, if needed.
9. Set limits on the violent person’s behavior before releasing him/her.
