Schools today are faced with a wide variety of cultural, emotional and intellectual differences. Day-to-day experiences often present challenges, however, our staff is trained and prepared to respond to daily situations as well as crisis incidents that may affect the entire campus. Crisis intervention in the schools is a collaborative team effort. Our personnel are prepared to deal with crises ranging from suicidal students to the death of a student or staff member. 

What is a crisis?

A crisis is an event that is highly unpredictable and extraordinary in its makeup. However, the way individuals behave in a traumatic situation is both predictable and consistent. Awareness and understanding of how people react during an event makes it possible to support and assist with those reactions. Appropriate action will prevent a potentially more severe traumatic impact or event.

Trauma Response Team

Certain steps of crisis management are used in most situations to reduce chaos following the crises.  Some steps are carried out simultaneously, others fall into sequence.  Each school has its own crisis plan that is designed to fit the needs of the crisis.  The Trauma Response Team functions as part of the School’s Crisis Action Team to return the school to its normal stability, and to help the students and faculty deal with the emotional impact.  Coordination and communication are key components to assure that all those who need help are offered crisis intervention services.

Crisis Intervention

The Trauma Response Team assists students and their families to: (a) realize that crises are a normal part of life, (b) gain perspective on the precipitating event and the current situation, (c) recognize and accept the feelings associated with the crisis, and (d) learn new problem-solving skills (Muro and Kottman, 1995).

Crisis and Trauma Response Documents

• Helping Children Deal with Change & Stress
• Helping Children Cope with Grief
• Helping Children Cope with Death
• Kids and Funeral Services
• Signs of Childrens Stress
• Some Differences Between Grief and Trauma
• Importance of Taking Good Care of Yourself
• Taking Care of Yourself
• Talking with Children About Death

Crisis and Trauma Resources

• American School Counselor Association
• Internation Critical Incident Stress Foundation
• National Association of School Psychologists
• Helping Parents Cope With Disaster
• Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers  

Internal Documents

• FWISD Intranet Crisis Documents
• Student Wellbeing Staff Site