This publication on best practices in crisis prevention and intervention is divided among the concepts of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. The introductory chapter examines crisis theory and establishes a foundation for the comprehensive crisis prevention and intervention team. It also attempts to bridge the gap between theory and…

The long-term effects of crisis and tragedy can be improved significantly by immediate intervention and emergency mental health services. Providing crisis intervention in rural schools poses challenges related to lack of financial resources, community resources, and trained personnel; isolation of rural schools; and long distances between school…

The purpose of this fact sheet is to share what is known about the impact of violence and disasters on children and to suggest steps to minimize long-term emotional harm. Trauma is defined to include emotional as well as physical experiences and injuries. It is noted that even secondhand exposure to violence can be traumatic and, therefore, all…

This field manual is intended for mental health workers and other human service providers who assist survivors following a disaster. It provides the basics of disaster mental health, with both specific and practical suggestions for workers. Essential information is included about disaster survivors' reactions and needs such as dealing with grief;…

Described are positive classroom practices used for behavior management at a child development center, including proximity control, signal interference, touch control, decoding skills, antiseptic bouncing, planned ignoring with positive reinforcement, and supporting cooperative play. Also described is a situational crisis controlled through use of…

Discusses how teachers can help children who are struggling with loss. Suggestions include creating links with families, making time to talk, enforcing loving limits, keeping administrators informed, creating a sense of community within the class, assigning the children new roles, and teaching the children about therapeutic reading, writing, and…

Explains how local PTAs can help with school crisis intervention, focusing on dealing with the public and the media; spreading the word about the National PTA's programs and positions via public relations programs; what to do during a crisis; and how to prepare for press conferences and prepare necessary materials. Finally, the paper discusses the…

Every day, untrained individuals are called upon to intervene in crises. This paper presents a two-stage approach to crisis intervention, limited here to the immediate alleviation of symptoms and the rapid referral to qualified help. The first stage entails a crisis intervention model that is comprehensive enough to deal effectively with an…

The first 2 hours following a crisis can determine the public's lasting perception of an educational system or organization. Following the assumption that crises are inevitable, school administrators must be prepared to communicate quickly and accurately to avoid being judged unfairly. This book offers strategies to public-sector educators who are…

Schools are increasingly confronted with crisis events. This resource aid packet provides materials to facilitate planning and implementation of a school-based crisis response and related staff training. The packet is divided into four sections. The first offers a brief overview that can be shared with school staff to raise awareness about the…

Originally developed to respond to the Desert Storm/Persian Gulf War, this resource book provides information designed to help parents, teachers, and service providers to plan and implement a comprehensive response to meeting children's emotional needs during a crisis. Contributors are experts on different kinds of crises that school age children…

This sourcebook was written for teachers, counselors, and other adults who work with children from violent homes. It is based on the belief that it is never too early to intervene with victims of domestic violence. The introduction defines domestic violence, describes what happens to children in violent homes, identifies abusers, examines the…

This book presents a crisis management model that effectively bridges the areas of substance abuse and crisis intervention. A crisis alternatives model which can be incorporated into drug counseling programs is discussed, along with a four-step crisis intervention plan for use by crisis workers that includes: (1) establishing rapport; (2)…

Aftercare is the service provided for a youth and his family following a crisis. To be responsive to youth needs, aftercare programs must provide continuity of care and be flexible. They must also address themselves to the well-being of the entire family and develop community networks of youth services. Planning is essential to the development of…

This paper and accompanying workshop address the changing and expanding role of school psychologists resulting from disasters and increasing violence in schools and communities. The objectives of this workshop were: to encourage school psychologists to expand their roles to include crisis intervention as an essential part of their service…