Ukeru

Ukeru is a safe, comforting and restraint-free crisis management technique developed by and for behavioral health caregivers and educators. Named for the Japanese word for “receive,” this award-winning program helps people engage, sense, and feel, and then respond to what someone is trying to communicate through their actions. Ukeru has hel ico-circle-2 ped behavioral health providers and schools reduce the use of restraint, seclusion, and injury, while lowering workers’ compensation costs and employee turnover.

Ukeru is non-intrusive and proactive. You know from the start how you will manage behavior, to ensure that it does not get out of hand.

– A Behavioral Health Specialist

How it Works

Ukeru was created onsite at Grafton Integrated Health Network, a private, nonprofit service provider for those overcoming emotional, behavioral or developmental challenges, as an alternative way to promote security and comfort while reducing the use of restraint and seclusion. The program is grounded in conceptual ideas such as trauma informed care, and conflict resolution, and supported by physical techniques that minimize the need for restraints and seclusion. Using soft Ukeru blocking pads, staff can protect both clients and themselves against aggressive episodes.

Training

The Ukeru team is available to train your staff, at your location. Learn more about our training options.

Awards & Recognition

Ukeru has received national and international recognition for changing the parameters of care for those with challenging needs, including the 2008 Negley President’s Award for Excellence in Risk Management Practices, and recognition from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration for clinical best practices in restraint and seclusion reduction in 2010. Grafton was a finalist in the 2011 First Annual Virginia Healthcare Innovator’s Award for best practices in trauma-informed treatment and care. Grafton also received the 2013 National Council for Behavioral Health Impact Award. Click here to see Jim Gaynor speak about Ukeru at the National Council Awards Ceremony!

News & Resources

Using a Trauma-Informed Approach in Residential Programs: Featuring Dr. Karen Treisman

January 19, 2018

Webinar: Trauma Informed Approach for Survivors of Human Trafficking

August 9, 2017

Comfort vs. Control from the Parent’s Perspective

April 28, 2017

Restraint and Seclusion: A Discriminatory Practice in Schools

April 21, 2017