What to Do in a Violent Crisis

Abstract:
This document provides guidelines to assist schools in creating a plan to handle a violent situation. It emphasizes that empathy is a good defuser of volatile situations and that the most honorable role in intervening is one of consideration for the safety and well-being of all. Following a discussion of findings about violence and the responsibilities of people who work with youth, the publication offers suggestions for creating a crisis management plan. Suggestions relate to community involvement, identification of potential crises and the tasks involved in responding, considerations for whether a plan is workable, crisis training for staff, and publicizing the plan. Finally, the fact sheet offers specific suggestions for stopping a fight and for responding to a violent incident. A list of resource organizations and reference materials is also included. The publication will be a helpful discussion-starter for those who are creating or revising a crisis management plan for schools.


Date Published: 6/4/1997

Pages: 2

Location Code: 9143