Intro To: Crisis + CPS
There are many crises a student can go through. As their Lifeline leader, you may be one of the first people to know. It is easy to feel intimidated or scared and you want to make sure you say the right thing and know what to do. That is where we are here to help and support you!
Types of Crisis
It can be hard to navigate what kind of crisis your student is in! Your job is not to determine what kind of crisis it is, but here are some helpful definitions to classify what your student may be experiencing.
Developmental crisis is the result of a life change. (puberty, leaving the house, changing schools, moving etc.)
Situational crises may be more unexpected or more alarming such as trauma like death, illness etc. Other types of trauma include:
Acute trauma results from a single incident.
Chronic trauma is repeated and prolonged such as domestic violence or abuse.
Complex trauma is exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.
Know the Process
If a student’s safety and wellbeing is in question, we want you to be prepared. Michigan Child Protection Law states that mandatory reporters must report instances of child abuse/neglect when “there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect.” You are considered a mandated reporter. If there is reasonable cause, you are required to tell a Staff member within 24 hours. Staff will then walk you through the process of reporting.
How to respond
Watch your face! Some things you hear may be concerning, sad etc. Be understanding, but how you physically respond could make them not want to share more.
Thank them for sharing something so difficult.
Reassure them that you are here for them.
Follow-up with them. **This may mean you need to let them know you are going to tell a staff member, to keep them safe.
Thoughts or Attempts of Suicide
It is very difficult to hear when someone is thinking about suicide. For immediate attention and if the situation is emergent, see information below. Some students may mention or talk about how they have thought about suicide, but may not have a specific plan.
It is important to keep the conversation going with them. Check out the questions below to keep the conversation open.
Let a Lifeline Staff member know.
Let the student know you love them and are here for them.
In emergency: If a student is in danger of hurting themselves or others and they are not with you, contact Staff who will help to contact parents. If no one answers, call 911. The Suicide hotline is 988 and is available 24/7, 7 days a week. Students can also text RESTORE to 741741 and someone will respond.
Some warning signs:
Talk or write about death or suicide.
Are more alone, or withdrawn.
Feel trapped or hopeless about a situation.
Increased use of alcohol or drugs, more reckless behavior.
No routine or change of routine, not eating/sleeping.
Questions to ask:
How are you coping with what's been happening in your life?
Have you been eating and sleeping?
How long have you felt this way, or felt low (depressed etc.)?
Are you still doing your normal activities (sports etc.)?
How would you rate how life is going right now?
Have you thought about suicide before?
Your Role
Your job in a student crisis is to care for them and let staff know what is going on. We are eternally grateful for you and the privilege you hold in being a safe person in their life. THANK YOU.