Therapeutic wilderness programs have come under increasing intense scrutiny. The ever changing regulations and costs associated with operating a therapeutic wilderness program demands yardsticks to measure the safety and effectiveness of programs. Developing an effective and comprehensive quality Risk Management Program (RMP) is the first line of defense in protecting an organization’s assets as well as increasing safety awareness.
So, where does the development of an effective and comprehensive quality Risk Management Program start? The process can be broken down into four basic steps:
1 – Analyze
Perform an accurate risk analysis where risks specific to the organization are acknowledged and identified.
2- Prioritize
Look at the risks you’ve identified, evaluate each risk and prioritize them.
3 – Strategize
Select an appropriate risk management strategy for each item.
4 – Adapt
The final step in developing an effective RMP is to remember that it needs to be monitored and updated on a regular basis. As the organization grows and changes so also will the risk exposures. By monitoring the RMP on a regular basis an organization is better equipped to handle changes in the marketplace thereby adapting the program to meet its ever changing needs.
This article, written by Tauni Aikin, was originally published in the May, 2009 issue of the London American Risk Specialists newsletter. You can view the article in its original context.
Wondering what the next step is in improving your school or program? Well, beyond calling us, Jim as some suggestions.
We have a belief that if you track almost anything within your school or program for 30 days you will learn something new about your program. Deciding what to track should be based on the indicators you and your team decide are most telling. But, we caution you not to overlook the more subtle, less obvious trends that might be even more telling upon closer examination and analysis. A complete 360 degree view of your program may provide new insights or revelations and causes for reflection.
Read the rest of the article at strugglingteens.com.
Last year, Jim co-authored an article about the importance of a continued focus on human resources.
It is critical, it seems to us, that we must first hire staff with demonstrated skills and then put them on a vigorous and documented track of personal and professional growth. We recommend that Coaches be certified by accredited training; therapists be licensed and maintaining their knowledge base of new diagnosis and treatments through continuing education; and field staff possess certified first aid and wilderness living skills. All adult staff should have a thorough background check that includes regular monitoring and be engaged in a program of emotional intelligence development.
Curious what else Jim had to say? Read the full article over at Strugglingteens.com.
In a 2008 article, Jim deliniated some of the less obvious benefits of a comprehensive risk management program.
It seems like everyone these days is talking Risk Management. And certainly Risk Management is central to all reputable programs. However, a “thorough and comprehensive” quality RMP can provide much more than simply managing risk.
The quick and dirty is that a comprehensive risk management program has the potential to:
- Limit potential exposure
- Support regulatory compliance
- Identify trends and patterns
- Inform programmatic decisions
- Provide pro-active feedback on program effectiveness
- Inform financial and other resource allocation
- Improve student outcomes and satisfaction
- Increase parent participation and satisfaction
- Improve customer service with referring professionals
- Decrease insurance rates
- Improve staff morale
You can get the details from the full article published over at strugglingteens.com.
In a 2007 essay, our very own Jim Powell offers some real options for an industry under attack.
If opportunity can be found wearing the cloak of adversity, then this is a time of tremendous opportunity for parent-choice, private therapeutic programs.
Our industry finds itself under intense scrutiny from several sources. Some parents and congressional representatives have allied to paint public and private youth programs, regardless of their history of program safety, with the same damning brush.
Read the rest of the essay at Strugglingteens.com.
