NCJ Number
178630
Date Published
1997
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper provides guidelines for planning and implementing a crisis response for a school.
Abstract
A "crisis" is "an event of limited duration that is typically unpredicted and overwhelming for those who experience its wrath." Such an alteration in the status quo is unwanted and frightening, and it often leaves those who experience it with a sense of vulnerability and helplessness. A primary goal of crisis intervention is to prevent a chaotic situation from escalating into a potentially catastrophic one. Upon successful intervention, the equilibrium is restored between the environment and the individual's perception of his/her world as a safe and secure place. There is an increasing recognition that today's schools are experiencing greater levels of violence (e.g., homicide and suicide) and substance abuse than in past years. It is essential that school systems maintain a course of action in the event of a crisis on school premises. The creation and training of a school crisis response team should be the first step in crisis planning. A crisis team should be composed of the principal, assistant principal, school psychologist, social worker, school nurse, guidance counselor, teachers, and building security personnel. This paper describes the responsibilities of the crisis team in the event of a crisis. The paper concludes with a listing of the various stress symptoms likely to be manifested by persons in various age groups in the event of a crisis. 13 references