Special Education

Responding To Critical Incidents

Appendix 1 - Counselling Drop-in Centres

Setting up a temporary drop-in counselling centre following a critical incident is an effective way to support students, particularly those considered high risk. All available school counsellors, with possible support from available community counsellors and selected members of the School Team, can staff the drop-in centre. The duration of this service will depend upon the nature and impact of the incident. The following suggestions for planning and operating such a service have been used successfully by schools.

Guidelines for setting up a drop-in counselling centre

  1. Provide a Drop-in Counselling Centre all day the first day that news of a critical incident such as a sudden death is disseminated.
  2. Ensure that more than one counsellor/facilitator is in the centre at all times. Other staff should be available for relief purposes. Counselling in the centre may be with individuals or small groups.
  3. Staff who provide counselling in the centre should organize themselves to maintain continuity in spite of the "drop-in" process, so that adults may consult with each other about identifying high risk students as well as for general support and help.

Suggestions for staff in the drop-in counselling centre

  • Accept all responses from students and permit them to express their reactions in a way that is individually appropriate.
  • Let the students to express feelings about other personal losses such as deaths in their families or other traumatic events. A critical incident may bring up painful memories or unresolved emotions from the past.
  • Listen to the students express their feelings without making judgements. Be empathetic and encourage them to discuss how they are feeling.
  • Be genuine. Do not try to convince students that you understand their feelings. Say "I want to understand your feelings. Please tell me some more so that I can try to understand where you are coming from."
  • Discuss the facts and the critical incident and discourage rumours. Ensure that confidential information is not revealed in discussions in the counselling centre.
  • If the incident was a suicide or if the students mention suicide in response to another type of traumatic event, reinforce that suicide is always an unwise decision, without moralizing. Focus suggestions on other options for dealing with serious problems.
  • Provide opportunities for students to discuss feelings of guilt related to the tragedy. They may need reassurance that they are not responsible.
  • Help students who may become fearful for their own safety and that of family members or peers. Remember that critical incidents can spark disclosure of child abuse or other ways that students are at risk.
  • Carefully monitor the student's response to you. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of the response, seek immediate assistance from other staff.
  • Be vigilant to any expression of suicidal thoughts. Remember that a well thought-out plan to commit suicide is a significant danger sign which should signal immediate action for staff and/or family. Seek immediate assistance, and do not leave the student alone until you have it.

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