CRISIS RESPONSE

A mental health crisis is any situation in which. a person's behavior puts them at risk of hurting. themselves or others and/or prevents them from. being able to care for themselves or function. effectively in the community.

IF THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY CALL 911

Low Risk Score

Expressed Ideations, No Plan, No Lethal Means. 
  1. Remain with the student until a counselor/ school psych/ wellness or counselor can talk with the student in a quiet, private setting to clarify the situation, and assess suicide risk with the “Risk Assessment Tool”.
    1. If necessary, the counselor or school such will contract an admin or designee to inform them of the situation.
  2. Counselor/School Psych or admin will notify the parents/guardian of the situation. NOTE: if this will exacerbate the situation or cause further harm to contact social services.
    1. TOOLS: “Guidelines for Notifying Parents”, and “Supporting Parents Through Their Child’s Suicidal Crisis.:
    2. Document to the “Contact Acknowledgement" form as well as in Aeries.
  3. Develop a Safety Plan with the student and parent(s)
    1. TOOLS: “Safety Planning Guide”, and “Personal Safety Plan”
  4. Ensure all steps are document in Aeries.
  5. Counselor or designee will follow up with the student and family as often as necessary until the student is stable.
  6. Make referrals to outside agencies if needed. 

TOOLS

Moderate to High-Risk Score

Expressed Ideations or desire to end their life or others, and may have a plan but no lethal means (or vice versa)
  1. Keep the student under close supervision
  2. Notify an admin, or counselor immediately to complete the “Risk Assessment Tool”.
  3. Consult with appropriate designated school site staff (wellness counselor, school psychologist, school counselor) or crisis service agency to assess student’s mental state and obtain a recommendation for next steps. If student requires hospitalization or immediate medical emergency treatment contact 911 immediately and move to Extremely High (Imminent) risk
  4. Counselor/School Psych or admin will notify the parents/guardian of the situation. NOTE: if this will exacerbate the situation or cause further harm to contact social services.
    1. TOOLS: “Guidelines for Notifying Parents”, and “Supporting Parents Through Their Child’s Suicidal Crisis.:
    2. Document o the “Contact Acknowledgement: form as well as in Aeries.
  5. Create a “Safety Plan”, or if one is already in place, review and update.
IF THE STUDENT DOE NOT REQUIRE EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT OR HOSPITILIZATION, FOLLOW BELOW:
  1. Confirm understanding of next steps for student’s care with parent, counselors, and teachers.
  2. Ensure that the student and parents, with the assistance of an admin or counselor, have discussed the importance of lethal means restriction.
    1. TOOLS: “Means, Matter: Recommendation for Families”
  3. Provide referrals and resources for parents/guardians.
    1. TOOLS: “What to Expect: When Your Child Expresses Suicidal Thoughts”
  4. Explain a designated school official will follow up the next day.
  5. Establish a plan for periodic contact from school personnel.
  6. Students who are eligible for “Home School” via the Districts Home School guidelines, ensure a qualified school staff is checking on the student during the leave.
  7. Ensure all steps are document in Aeries.
  8. Debrief with all staff members who assisted with the intervention, providing space for expression of feelings, worries, concerns or suggestions. 

TOOLS

Extremely High (Imminet) Risk Level

Voiced intent to engage in suicidal act or has engaged, have access to lethal means needed to carry out the act, and may have the lethal means on them
1.Ensure a staff member always remains with them and they are safe. Remove any belongings that potentially could have lethal means.
2.Clear the area to ensure the student is safe.
3.Alert admin immediate and/or school psych or counselor.
Mobilize Community Supports
1.If a life-threatening emergency CALL 911. The 911 responder will determine if emergency treatment or hospitalization is required a will arrange transport.
2.If not life threatening, call UPLIFT
  1. Mobile Crisis Réponse Stabilization services : 408-379-9085
  2. Crisis Stablilzation unit : 408-364-4083
3.Principal or designee notifies parents about the seriousness of the situation. In certain cases, it may be necessary to wait to notify parents due to clinical circumstances determined by psychologist of UPLIFT (or other mental health provider)
IF THE STUDENT HAS LETHAL MEANS ON THEM
1.Do not attempt to take the weapon by force
2.Talk with the student calmly
3.Home someone call 911
4.Clear area for student safety
5.Once the student gives up the potentially lethal means, stay with the student until admin or designee arrives, or 911.
At this level a risk the student may require hospitalization
  1. The school counselor, wellness counselor or admin will work with the student’s doctor/therapist to complete the “Physician Ed. Plan"
    1. Frequency of check-ins with student, family, doctor, and/or therapist will be determined by the in individual situation. In addition, outside counseling referrals can to me made as needed; in addition to site supports.
  2. BEFORE a student returns the “Safety Plan” needs to be created, and a re-entry plan completed.
  3. Ensure all steps are document in Aeries.
  4. Debrief with all staff members who assisted with the intervention, providing space for expression of feelings, worries, concerns or suggestions. 
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