Crisis occupies an ambiguous place in the writings of Hannah Arendt. Not only does crisis undermine categories of judgment, but in doing so it eliminates prejudices as well, forcing us to judge without them. Although Arendt never had an opportunity to fully develop her understanding of judgment, we know that she considered it to be 'the most…

Student death on college campuses is a reality that occurs all too often, and dealing with the aftermath of a student's death is something that all higher education administrators must be prepared to address. Given the proliferation of media outlets, breaking news reports, and instant technologies used by students today, news about these deaths…

Many people with learning disabilities are not well supported when someone close to them dies. This can make it an even more difficult time than it needs to be. This is about how staff can help people with learning disabilities when somebody close to them dies. It has some questions for them to think about. It is well documented that the death of…

Youth suicide is one of the most serious preventable health problems in the United States. It is the third leading cause of death among adolescents. According to a recent national survey of students in grades 9-12, nearly 15% of respondents had seriously considered suicide and 7% actually had attempted suicide in the previous 12 months. Moreover,…

Outlines the experience of one center in establishing a group therapy program. Highlights strengths that a center has to offer, specifically, persons with special interest, training and experience with the issue of suicide, and a 24-hour crisis service to serve as a backup system. (Author)

The suicide of a competent and popular teacher required rapid but careful response by administrators at a midwestern high school. This article explains how faculty members and students were informed and how crisis specialists were brought in to help respond to strong student reactions. (PGD)

Describes training program for student services personnel, and formulation of trauma response team--a group of professionals who respond to unexpected student deaths. Describes a staff training workshop, outlines a strategy for coping mechanisms college administrators might use, explains the trauma response team and its procedures, and offers…

Asserts that crisis caused by the sudden death of a student or teacher can be averted or diminished via a preplanned team intervention approach. Describes such an approach implemented successfully by the Easton, Massachusetts, public schools. Provides both guidelines and strategies of the field-proven intervention program. (Author/NB)

This paper describes a group of adolescents who met with a therapist after a friend had committed suicide. The purpose of the group was to discuss the feelings engendered by the suicide. The setting up of the group, an explanation of the victim's difficulties, and issues dealt with by the group are described. (Author)

To handle a death in the school community wisely and sensitively, school boards need to develop a death response policy. A policy developed by a diverse committee will be sensitive to the needs of the entire school community. Offers seven points to consider in drafting a policy. (MLF)

Elements and components of crisis situations are identified. Strategies and sequences of crisis intervention are described. Cultural implications of crisis intervention are discussed.

Describes Crisis Support Plan developed by one county school system to give both psychological and physical support to a school facing a crisis such as student death. Gives background of Crisis Support Plan and uses case study to explain various aspects of crisis intervention teaming (the crisis, meeting, the day of the intervention). (NB)

As staff, students, and parents at a Long Island high school discovered, resolving the complicated issues surrounding the death of a beloved teacher and coach is not easy. In this case, there was unwavering support for a basketball coach dying of cancer and for students and staff afterward. Crisis intervention worked because responsible adults…

Proposes general strategies for group survivorship intervention in a case study of an elementary school student's suicide. Examines these strategies with specific reference to intervention efforts involving the class, student body, teachers, principal, and parents at the elementary school. (Author/ABB)

Discusses the emotional impact of a stillbirth on a family. The Perinatal Mortality Counseling Program (PMCP) at Shands Teaching Hospital, Gainesville, Florida, provides crisis intervention and support for these families, as well as serving a research function. Outlines the program, including its history, composition, procedures, and research.…