Crisis Intervention
CRISIS INTERVENTION INTRODUCTION This is an interview with one member of the School Based Support Teams (SBST) on the functions of SBST in the schools. In order to be able to meet the needs of students, their families, the schools and school staff members in a crisis or other loss situations that impacts tragically, a number of School Based Support Teams (SBST) are assigned in each New York City public school. QUESTION: What is SBST and what are their guidelines and procedures for identifying and assessing students in need of crisis intervention? RESPONSE: School Based Support Team (SBST) is a school based crisis intervention team assigned to schools to provide assistance in times of crisis. Our intervention is requested whenever a student is identified in a crisis situation, which is not always easy, but there are always definite signs and noticeable changes in behavior patterns that are most often detectable in crisis students. ... QUESTION: As a member of the School Based Support Team (SBST) assigned, what are the roles and responsibilities of school staff members if they suspect a student is experiencing a crisis situation? ... They should provide information as to the reason for their assuming that the student is experiencing a crisis situation. QUESTION: What are the necessary steps in assessing whether or not a crisis situation exists and if so is it a high-risk crisis situation? RESPONSE: Once the suspected crisis is reported to the principal it becomes the responsibility of the principal to contact the School Base Support Team (SBST) and the school counselor to further investigate and begin a crisis action plan. ... There are also crisis procedures such as; instructing staff members not to discuss the student’s crisis situation; notify support staff, counselors, psychologists, and/or social workers; identify other family members who could be affected; assess the need for additional resources; assign professionally trained staff to provide support also additional community resources that can provide assistance.