Crisis Response Child Abuse Considerations March 19, 2013 Kevin R. Gogin, MFT School Health Programs

Goals:  Increase knowledge of Crisis Response  Increase understanding of SFUSD Crisis Response Manual  Increase knowledge of available resources  Increase school site capacity to respond to a crisis Crisis Response Training

A reaction to or perception of an event which causes psychological trauma to students and/or staff and requires immediate action because of disruption to the education process. School Crisis

Intervention to restore a school and community to base line functioning and to help prevent or minimize damaging psychological results following a crisis situation. Crisis Response I

Helping students and staff return to previous emotional equilibrium. If ignored, some emotional responses may become internalized and exhibit themselves in unusual behaviors. Crisis Response II

Who is on the school team? What are the possible CRT roles?  Team Leader  Media Contact Person  Debriefing Lead  Parents/Caregivers/Community Lead  Building/Grounds Lead School Crisis Response Team

 Where is the school CRM?  Who is responsible for the CRM?  CRM Table of Contents A. General Overview B. Crisis Response Team C. Death, Dying and Loss D. Assault/Harassment E. Suicide F. Physical Disaster G. Classroom or After-School Support Activities H. School Site Professional Development I. Resources Crisis Response Manual (CRM)

Call Police: 911. Verify the facts regarding the crisis. Notify appropriate Instructional Support and Operations Office. Contact Office. Contact Office of Public Engagement if necessary. Convene School Site Crisis Response Team and review duties. Prepare formal statement to inform faculty/staff. Convene emergency Staff Meeting to inform faculty, counselors, building support staff. Review and distribute Debrief Exercise and Information Sheet to teachers. Prepare formal statement for students (NEVER announce a crisis over the Intercom System or at a school assembly). Distribute Community Resources Lists as needed. Etc., Etc. Review checklist in manual. Crisis Response Checklist Some possible responses to a crisis

 Work with administration to facilitate a smooth response to the crisis situation  Assist in developing the plan to inform the school community  Inform teachers and staff What is the Process?

 Help construct the Classroom Crisis Response Discussion: Letter format, with discussion to follow in classroom settings. All classes implement the plan at the same time. Informing Students

 Assist with notifying parents/caregivers  This may entail a parent meeting  Always send a letter home as soon as possible

 Always inform as soon as possible: Clarify “need to know” versus “want to know” information  Tell the truth  What to do when limits are placed on sharing information Informing the Community

 You are the expert in crisis response at your site.  There may be occasions when outside assistance is helpful.  Call , ask for the NOD Accessing Outside Assistance

 Crisis Response is not psychotherapy  Crisis Response is a structured discussion of a traumatic event  Model Calm and Optimistic Behavior  Goals:  Mitigate the impact  Assist to return to previous state of functioning  Provide comfort  Provide resources Key Concepts in Crisis Response

Site Resources: Wellness Program LSP School Counselors Community Based Organizations School Nurse Parent Liaison Interns For Technical Assistance: Crisis Response Manual Nurse of the Day (School Health Programs Department) Child Crisis Services via nurse of the day or SHPD Crisis Response Resources

Child Abuse Considerations

 Who Is A Mandated Reporter?  All SFUSD employees are mandated reporters of child abuse/neglect. Anyone who has reason to suspect child abuse or neglect is responsible for making a report to Children’s Emergency Services (CES), also known as Child Protective Services (CPS), as soon as possible. The duty of the mandated reporter is to report suspected child abuse, not to investigate. Child Abuse Reporting

 What is Child Abuse?  California Child Abuse Reporting Law (Penal Code and 11166) states that when the victim is a person under the age of 18, the following types of abuse must be reported by all legally mandated reporters: Child Abuse Reporting

 Physical Abuse:  Any act which results in “a physical injury which is inflicted by other than accidental means” (Penal Code, II 165.6). Willful cruelty, unjustified punishment, and discipline which is excessive or a result of uncontrolled anger are also reportable. Child Abuse Reporting

 Sexual Abuse:  A sexual assault or sexual exploitation of a person under 18  Neglect:  Consists of a parent’s or caretaker’s refusal or inability to provide food, shelter, clothing, adequate supervision, or medical care—“acts which harm or threaten to harm the child’s health or welfare” (Penal Code ) Child Abuse Reporting

 How to report:  Any employee who has reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused must call the CES/CPS reporting line.  A Verbal report should be made by calling: (415) or (800)  A Written report, using “Suspected Child Abuse Report” form (SS PC), must be submitted within 36 hours of the verbal report. Child Abuse Reporting

 AND Always:  Consult Child Abuse Reporting