Positive Approach to Crisis Training (PACT) July 2026

Positive Approaches to Crisis Training (PACT) is a 12‑hour program that meets state training requirements for HCBS and PNMI staff supporting individuals who may experience challenging behaviors in residential settings.

Learners will receive a PACT certificate upon successful completion of training and certification must be renewed on an annual basis.

PACT is grounded in positive, person‑centered approaches that promote safety, dignity, and meaningful support. The training emphasizes communication, relationship‑building, access to meaningful activities, understanding individual stress and overwhelm cycles, and empowering people to develop their own problem‑solving skills.

The Physical Skills Assessment is the final component of the training. Staff are taught approved physical techniques that emphasize safety, dignity, and respect, and are to be used only in situations where there is an immediate risk to the individual or others.

The PACT– curriculum emphasizes the use of the positive approaches to providing support as the most effective approach in assisting people to learn to manage their symptoms to decrease their challenging behavior. By focusing on communication, boundaries, relationships, attitude, stress and problem solving, supporters will learn ways of offering support that can decrease some of the “lose-lose” situations that could lead to physical harm and injury.

Physical Skills: The two-day course ends with assessing staff ability to perform. One-third of the PACT curriculum addresses the supporters’ response to crisis, including physical interaction techniques that focus on maximum safety, dignity and respect for all. The curriculum incorporates the updated state of Maine Behavior Regulations governing the use of restraints and behavioral techniques as well as all applicable laws surrounding the rights of people with disabilities.