Creating Safe Police Encounters

FOR CONCERNED FAMILY MEMBERS
OF INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Newtown, PA. -  On June 23, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, Potential Inc. will conduct a free seminar, “Creating Safe Police Encounters.”  

The seminar will address a growing concern for safety among law enforcement, parents, and other family members who care for individuals with autism and other special needs of all ages.  “Be Safe, The Movie” will be presented and discussed with parents and representatives of area police departments.

The seminar is free. Refreshments and babysitting (if needed) will be provided. Due to space limitations, registration is required. Attendees may register up to 4 guests.

Most people get a little nervous when stopped by a policeman but they understand how to appropriately interact with police. For people with special needs, that encounter could lead towards dangerous misunderstandings. Officers do receive some training, but is it enough? It’s incumbent upon care givers and professionals in the special needs community to do their utmost to prepare those in their care for such an eventuality.

Topics for the seminar will include episodes from Be Safe, The Movie, and discussion of the situation portrayed in the video:

• What specific training is received, or should be received by police regarding autism and autistic behavior?
• What and how should we as caregivers prepare our clients/relatives for such an encounter?
• How can Potential Inc. become a resource for both parents/relatives and police? If so how?

 Potential, Inc. serves the Autism and Developmental Disabilities communities ages 1-64. Since its inception in 2006, Potential has served hundreds of individuals and last year provided over 30,000 hours of treatment. Their therapists are trained in ABA-Verbal Behavior (VB), and services may be delivered at home, the clinic, a school, or in the community. Each client’s strengths and weaknesses are assessed to design a comprehensive program unique to his/her specific needs.