This paper discusses a model crisis intervention program for community-based individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness, featuring cross-system access between existing services and emphasis on staff training. Outcomes of the Rochester, New York, program reveal that 69% of 267 individuals referred to the program required only 1…

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)

Outlines a 14-step process for establishing a suicide prevention program, including collecting data; gaining administrative approval; seeking legal advice; establishing an ad hoc crisis intervention committee; collecting sample forms; appraising agency resources; developing a written policy; appraising community resources; involving the media;…

Analyzes school boards' response, in terms of crisis decision making, to a situation in which a superintendent was charged and later convicted of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old female student. Cites "Crucial Decisions," by Irving Janis, and offers recommendations to help board members be more effective decision makers. Presents an outline of…

Describes model of crisis intervention to families of adolescents who deliberately harm themselves and summarizes premises which guide practice. Views adolescent's "overdose" as attempt to resolve relationship conflicts and works to explore predicament for adolescent and family. Verbatim extracts from one session illustrate the process.…

Argues for paradigm shift in how mental health professionals approach their work with psychiatric patients in midst of suicidal crisis and suggests that time has come to discuss standard of care based on integration of detected risk factors, effective education and training in suicidology, and routine use of consultation and teamwork. (Author/NB)

Examines problem disclosure and coping strategies in 21 foster adolescents. Highly significant results indicate that teenagers who have experienced crisis foster placements were more likely to disclose concerns. These young people also seemed more likely to use nonproductive coping strategies when dealing with everyday problems. (Author/JDM)

School administrators are crucial in developing and implementing an effective, comprehensive school Suicide-prevention program. They should develop a districtwide policy, establish school-level crisis-intervention teams, provide teacher training, ensure appropriate responses to threats, include suicide-prevention education in the curriculum, and…

Schools are confronted with students who present serious behavior problems that were once only seen in secure settings. In order to be effective with these students, staff members need to acquire skills for managing crises. Article suggests that staff members put students first; use many tools for cultivating strengths; and learn from young…

Volatile crisis situations, if carefully managed, can improve relationships between adults and youth. Article describes instances of serious rule violations that presented opportunities for teaching prosocial skills to youth. (Author/JDM)

Discusses art therapy interventions with children (n=25) who were victims of the Los Angeles earthquake in 1994. Offers clinical observations about issues most relevant to the trauma, symptomology, and defenses exhibited by children during treatment. (JPS)

Discusses the effects of Hurricane Andrew on disaster workers, followed by some reported experiences of workers as well as victims. Background on natural disasters in general is given, along with information about crisis intervention. Discusses mental health interventions and various skills needed by disaster mental health counselors. (Author/KW)

During the Gulf War, Israeli mental health professionals played an invaluable role, but their efforts raise questions about what constitutes an appropriate, supportive response for a population suddenly faced with a hazardous event, whether hostile or not. Discusses the strategies used, with lessons that might enhance the disaster services of any…

School counselors can design a long-term, comprehensive drug use intervention program by combining elements from their discipline's knowledge base. They may formulate a community-based intervention team, work with the team and school officials to restructure school policy, design specific interventions, collect data on at-risk students, and…

Examines the circumstances and characteristics of sexual assaults against adult males presenting to a crisis unit in a large metropolitan area. Most victims were young gay men, many of whom had physical or cognitive disabilities making them particularly vulnerable. Results suggest a need for increased awareness of acquaintance sexual assault in…