What Is the SWIFT+R™ Crisis Model?

The SWIFT+R™ Crisis Model is a 6-step, trauma-informed crisis response framework. It's the "emergency harness" for our daily SPARK Care™ Framework.

Its purpose is to give you and your team a shared, simple and repeatable plan for when a young person is in "survival mode" (fight, flight or freeze).

This isn't a restraint model. It's a "Neuro-Smart," low-demand framework for improving co-regulation during crisis. It's designed to de-escalate the situation, protect everyone's safety and most importantly, always return to restore the relationship.

 

▷ The Purpose: Why a "Neuro-Smart" Crisis Model?

This is what makes SWIFT+R™ different from other models you might have seen. It's built on our founder's lived and frontline experience with neurodiversity.

It understands that a child in crisis is not choosing to be "defiant." Their thinking brain is offline. They are in a state of sensory and emotional overload.

This is how trauma-informed crisis models reduce incidents:

• Traditional models often make it worse. They use too many words, too much eye contact and too many demands. This feels threatening and escalates the situation.
• The SWIFT+R™ model is "Neuro-Smart." It does the opposite. It teaches you to reduce demands, use fewer words and use your body language to signal safety.
• You stop being a "threat" and become a calm, predictable "anchor" in the storm.
  
  

▷ The 6 Steps of SWIFT+R™: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

This is the core of the framework. It's simple, memorable and fits on the pocket card you'll get in our training.

• S: Safe Stance: This is your first move. Adopt a non-threatening, side-on posture. Keep your hands visible and open. Lower your height if you can. This body language is the first signal of safety.
• W: Words Few: This is critical. When a brain is in overload, words are just noise. Use short, 3-5 word, low-and-slow phrases. "You're safe." "I'm here." "We'll sort this."
• I: Immediate Regulation: Don't talk; regulate. Offer one simple co-regulation tool now. "Water?" "Breathe with me." "Walk?" This is a practical, in-the-moment action.
• F: Focus & Adjust: Read their non-verbal cues. Are their muscles tensing? Is their breathing fast? Adjust your approach based on what you see. Do you need to step back? Do you need to be quieter?
• T: Time-In, Time-Bound: This is not a "time-out" (which can feel like abandonment). This is "time-in" with a clear, safe micro-plan. "I'll stay here with you for 3 minutes, then we can choose." It provides a predictable structure to the chaos.
• +R: Repair & Reconnect: This is the most important step. Within 24 hours (or as soon as is safe), you always return to restore dignity. "That was tough. We're okay. We start fresh." This proves that the relationship is safe and the connection is unconditional.
  
  

▷ Building Staff Confidence and Co-Regulation

This framework is the key to building staff confidence under pressure.

A crisis is scary for staff, too. The main reason we panic is that we don't have a plan. SWIFT+R™ is the plan. When your whole team knows and trusts the 6 steps, you can act with confidence and consistency.

This is the secret to improving co-regulation during a crisis. You can't help a child regulate if you're not regulated yourself. This framework gives you the structure to keep yourself calm, which makes you the "anchor" the young person can "borrow" calm from.

This approach reflects the same core principles promoted across the sector, including those emphasised by the Restraint Reduction Network™ and BILD ACT, by prioritising low-arousal de-escalation, dignity and restorative repair.

▷ How to Get SWIFT+R™ Training

We offer two clear pathways to get this framework into your home:

1. SWIFT+R™ Foundations Training:
   A 3-4 hour, live online workshop for up to 12 staff. This is our focused, standalone crisis-response training.
   See the SWIFT+R™ Training Page
   
   
2. The 6-Month Pilot Programme (Founding Partner Offer):
   SWIFT+R™ is also included as an optional add-on module within our flagship 6-Month Pilot Programme.
   See How Our 6-Month Pilot Implements This

 

▷ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does SWIFT+R stand for?
A: It's a 6-step, trauma-informed process for crisis response: S (Safe Stance), W (Words Few), I (Immediate Regulation), F (Focus & Adjust), T (Time-In, Time-Bound) and +R (Repair & Reconnect).

Q: How does SWIFT+R help staff?
A: It's a game-changer for building staff confidence under pressure. It gives the whole team a clear, simple and shared plan for high-stress moments. This reduces their panic and helps them respond safely and consistently.

Q: How does it reduce incidents?
A: By using a "Neuro-Smart" and predictable response. It avoids common triggers (like too many words or demands) that make a crisis worse. It calms the situation early, leading to fewer, shorter and less intense escalations.

Q: How is this different from other crisis models?
A: It's not a restraint or "control" model; it's a relational and de-escalation model. It's built from lived experience to be "Neuro-Smart" (low-demand) and has +R – Repair & Reconnect as a non-negotiable step to protect dignity.