In many human service environments, verbal de-escalation is essential — but not always sufficient. Some settings involve elevated risk where staff may face the possibility of physical violence despite best relational efforts. Recognizing this reality, the Response Centred Approach (RCA) has partnered with SOLVE Canada (Strategies of Limiting Violent Episodes) to offer a more complete, trauma-informed approach to safety.

In human services work, preventing a crisis is just as important as responding to it. Within the Response Centred Approach (RCA), STAR Environments help agencies create conditions that support regulation, safety, and dignity — reducing escalation over time. Rather than simply managing behaviour, STAR environments actively support healing and growth.

In human services work, one of the most important questions we can ask is not “What is this person doing?” but “What has this person lived through that makes this response make sense?”