How does the TCI & ADP Approach Compare?
A good training program is the cornerstone of effective workplace safety and response efforts. But how easy is it to find one that suits your team? How important is customization? What key concepts are a priority?
Over the years, many training programs have been developed to address workplace incidents with the goal of safety. Selecting the right program for your team is crucial.
In this blog post, we compare two evidence-based training frameworks. These are the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) approach and the ADP Framework.
What is the TCI Approach?
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) is a crisis management protocol developed by Cornell University. It is designed for residential childcare facilities and extends to families seeking to support their children effectively.
The core aspects of TCI training involve modifying setting conditions — organizational, cultural, environmental, and relational — as well as implementing de-escalation techniques. The training focuses on active listening, effective responses, non-verbal communication, behavioral support techniques, and negotiating rules and expectations.
TCI training also educates participants on methods to safely restrain children who are at risk of injuring themselves or others. The primary goal is to prevent and de-escalate potential crises with children before they escalate to a point where high-risk interventions, such as restraints, are necessary.
TCI training is delivered in various formats, including standard face-to-face sessions, e-Learning, and Train the Trainer programs. These sessions are complemented with workbooks for ongoing learning and content refreshment.
Overall, TCI training involves:
- De-escalating potential crises
- Safely and therapeutically managing crises
- Constructively handling stressful situations
- Supporting children in improving their coping strategies
What is the ADP Approach?
ADP stands for Awareness, De-escalation, and Protection, and this framework underpins the training programs offered by Resolution Education. These programs cover a range of topics, including workplace de-escalation, restraints, conflict resolution, protective intervention, code silver emergencies, and active shooter incidents.
Each training program is customized to meet specific organizational requirements, tailoring content and scenarios to various industries, including government departments, councils, healthcare and allied health clinics, schools, support services, and more.
The goal of the ADP Framework is to prevent and de-escalate potential crises before they escalate to a point of harm or require restrictive practices. The first module, Awareness, emphasizes the belief that prevention is key.
The ADP approach is holistic, with each concept and module building on the previous one. This approach ensures participants have a comprehensive understanding of the appropriate steps to take, depending on the intensity of the situation.
Training with the ADP Framework fosters a culture of safety and ongoing learning. Each session involves in-depth discussion and practice of techniques, with refresher training offered and encouraged.
ADP training is delivered in various formats, including standard face-to-face sessions, virtual sessions, e-Learning, and Train the Trainer programs. These sessions are complemented with workbooks and manuals for ongoing learning and content refreshment. The Train the Trainer courses also provide exclusive access to additional resources, including templates, videos, and more.
Overall, ADP training involves:
- De-escalating potential incidents
- Safely and empathetically managing incidents
- Constructively handling tense situations
- Customized solutions for different industries and consumers
How do the Training Programs Compare?
Both training approaches are unique but share the common goal of safety.
While TCI is specifically designed for childcare facilities, the ADP Framework is tailored to suit all industries. This customization is achieved through consultation with each organization, ensuring the scenario-based training exercises are relevant and practical.
Both programs prioritize prevention by assessing the environment and modifying conditions. These conditions may be physical but can also relate to complacency and a lack of organizational boundaries.
Which Training Is Right for My Team?
If your organization frequently faces heightened situations involving children, TCI or Resolution Education’s Protective Intervention Training are likely the best choice. These programs are specifically tailored to childcare environments such as residential homes and schools.
However, if your employees are navigating conflicts with colleagues, clients, customers, patients, or members of the public, Resolution Education’s other training programs may be more suitable.
Consulting with the Resolution Education team can help you determine the best-suited training program for your needs. You can also find an overview of the training programs on offer here.
Conclusion
Determining the best training program for your team requires careful evaluation, prioritization, and expert insight. An effective training program will boost the confidence and safety of your team, but knowing which to choose can prove difficult. If you are still unsure which program is right for your team, speaking with a Resolution Education team member can provide further clarity.
Feel free to fill in the form below if you would like to discuss training options and one of our team members will be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does ADP training address physical safety compared to TCI?
ADP treats physical intervention as a last resort, focusing on protective strategies such as disengagement and safe positioning. While it can include restraint techniques, the emphasis remains on minimizing harm and avoiding escalation wherever possible.
How does the focus of TCI differ from the ADP Framework when managing workplace incidents?
TCI is primarily designed for residential childcare settings and focuses on supporting children through therapeutic crisis management, while the ADP Framework is built for all industries and emphasizes awareness, de-escalation, and protection across a broader range of workplace scenarios.
Why is customization considered a key advantage of ADP training?
ADP training is tailored to each organization’s environment, risks, and policies, ensuring scenarios and strategies are directly relevant. This makes it more practical for diverse industries compared to more standardized training models.
How do both training approaches prioritize prevention of incidents?
Both TCI and ADP emphasize identifying environmental and behavioral triggers early. By adjusting conditions and recognizing warning signs, staff can intervene before situations escalate into crises.
What delivery formats does ADP offer compared to TCI training?
ADP provides flexible options including face-to-face, virtual sessions, eLearning packages, and Train the Trainer programs with ongoing resources, whereas TCI primarily uses standard face-to-face sessions, eLearning, and Train the Trainer with workbooks.
How can organizations determine which framework best suits their needs?
Organizations should assess the types of incidents they face, the populations they support, and their operational requirements. Child-focused environments may benefit from TCI, while workplaces dealing with a wide range of interactions may find ADP more suitable.