The Crisis Response Team consists of Central Rivers AEA staff members who are trained to help others cope with traumatic events in school. When tragedy strikes, such as the death of a student or school employee, we are prepared to guide administrators, staff and students through the process of responding to the emotional aftermath.
The purpose of the Crisis Response Team (CRT) is to provide emergency planning and support for school personnel immediately following a school crisis. Support is provided for a brief period of time by Central Rivers AEA staff trained in responding to traumatic events. Services may include logistical planning, assistance with communications, and counseling to students and staff at school the day of (or the day following) the event.
Crisis Resources
Crisis Manual for School Administrators
No school administrator wants to think about communicating during a crisis in his or her district, but proper planning can make the difference between maintaining community trust and losing it.
Contact
School administrators may request services from the Crisis Response Team by contacting the Central Rivers AEA Crisis Team Coordinator, Jody Albertson (641) 430-6483. Crisis communication support can be secured by contacting Beth Strike at (641) 430-2181.
What We Do
Immediately following a crisis or in anticipation of a crisis, the Central Rivers AEA Crisis Response Team might:
- Work with the administrative team as a resource for information on coping or preparing for a traumatic event.
- Be available at the before school meeting for input and introductions.
- Serve as a resource to teachers who may need assistance on conducting their classroom discussions or have questions of their own.
- Provide small group counseling for a limited period of time immediately following a school crisis.
- Work individually with students and staff for a limited period of time immediately following a school crisis.
- Identify high-risk students/staff who may need immediate support.
- Provide assistance and referrals for students and staff who experience personal trauma relating to the loss.
- Follow-up on key individuals, such as friends and family of those who were close to the situation or victim.
- Request further assistance from appropriate outside agencies.
- Offer parents affected by the event an opportunity to discuss their concerns and needs.
- Collaborate any and all activities of response to the crisis.
- Participation in the after-school meeting to assess the day’s activities and comprise a list of students with immediate concerns.
- Facilitate a debriefing for the staff.
- Provides follow-up consultation post crisis as required.
Other Resources
- The Suicide Prevention Resource Center publishes a toolkit designed to assist schools in the aftermath of a suicide.