Crisis Response Activities

http://208.206.15.235/uploads/pdf/SchoolGrief_Flyer_8%2031%2007.pdf

In the 2007-2008 school year, The Bereavement Center made forty death related-crisis response calls, the majority of which occured in schools. With our large staff of trained grief counselors, hospice bereavement specialists and expressive therapists, we are able to respond to crisis quickly. We have crisis response kits at all of our offices so that staff can quickly access needed materials and move into the schools. Our crisis responders often work in collaboration with the other mental health agencies present. The difference in our service is that we continue to provide intervention to the schools in the days and weeks following the crisis. While it is important to return to school routines, that can be difficult. There are times when a grief reaction or a trauma reaction is triggered that requires attention. We are able to return to the school and offer interventions to the class or to the deceased's inner circle of friends. Our eight week support group S.T.A.R.S (Supporting Tears, Anger, Remembrance and Sadness) is also available. In addition, we work with the teachers and school staff as their grief is often overlooked. Crises in the school cause an upheaval of emotions and routine. We are able to respond with comfort and support.