Our History

In 2004, Grafton Integrated Health Network—a behavioral healthcare organization where Ukeru was invented- launched an initiative to reduce the use of restraint and seclusion, techniques associated with high employee turnover, injuries, and peer-to-peer aggressions. Like many behavioral health providers, Grafton used restraint when those in its care presented aggressive behaviors; when the initiative began, the organization reported over 1,500 seclusions and almost 7,000 restraints for 220 individuals. No training program was available to address this challenge. So Grafton created its own solution. Working with direct care staff and behavioral health experts, Grafton developed Ukeru, a cutting-edge program based on a core philosophy of Comfort vs. Control® and trauma informed care.

Today, the results speak for themselves:

Physical restraints have been reduced by over

99%

The use of seclusion has been entirely eliminated for

10

years

A safer, more respectful environment has helped Grafton attract and retain qualified talent

Client-induced staff injuries, workers’ compensation premiums, lost time, and turnover have dramatically decreased, resulting in a ROI of over

$27

million

Most importantly, the use of Ukeru has helped to improve outcomes. Grafton’s goal mastery rate, which was 35% at the beginning of the initiative, is now over 80% for all clients.

Using its own experience as a model, Grafton publicly launched Ukeru—the first crisis-training program to offer a physical alternative to restraints and seclusion. Since its creation, Ukeru has received national and international honors.