logo
Messenger  
Special Edition: School Trauma  
Special IssueDec. 2012/ Jan. 2013
In This Issue
Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators
What Parents Can Do
Psychological First Aid
School Safety and Security
Safe Schools: 5 Lessons Learned
Compassion Fatigue
Quick Links
  
  
 
FACT: 
One out of every 4 children attending school has been exposed to a traumatic event
that can affect learning and/or behavior.

Talk to a clinician 24/7

 

Call 1-800-287-2173 

We are deeply saddened by the news of the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. In this Special Newsletter, we share important resources with you for coping in the aftermath of such a tragedy, as well as information pertinent to preventing such incidents.
Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators
National Child Traumatic Stress Network

 

What can be done at school to help a traumatized child?

 

  • Maintain usual routines. A return to "normalcy" will communicate the message that the child is safe and life will go on.
  • Give children choices. Often traumatic events involve loss of control and/or chaos, so you can help children feel safe by providing them with some choices or control when appropriate.
  • Increase the level of support and encouragement given to the traumatized child. Designate an adult who can provide additional support if needed.
  • Set clear, firm limits for inappropriate behavior and develop logical-rather than punitive- consequences.
  • Recognize that behavioral problems may be transient and related to trauma. Remember that even the most disruptive behaviors can be driven by trauma-related anxiety.

     Click to download Toolkit (please be patient 

 

 

What Parents Can Do
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents and Community Members Can Do
children cope
Violence or natural disasters can cause trauma in young people. Trauma is hurt or harm. It can be hurt to a person's body. It can be harm to a person's mind. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has produced this pamphlet to help all of us to support children who have experienced such trauma.


Click here to download a copy (please be patient)
    
.

 

Listen, Protect, Connect
PFA
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a set of supportive actions that help people cope more effectively during times of stress. PFA is an evidence-informed approach for assisting children, adolescents, adults and families in the aftermath of disaster and terrorism. This resource is provided by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for PTSD.

Click to download a copy  
School Safety and Security
Best Practices
Planning
  • Training school administrators, teachers, and support staff on school violence prevention, school security and school emergency planning best practices.
  • Evaluating and refining school security measures.
  • Updating and exercising school emergency preparedness plans.
  • Strengthening partnerships with public safety officials.
    .
    Click here to read more
School Safety Lessons
Five key lessons learned 
  • Lesson 1: Establish Incident Command Immediately
  • Lesson 2: Assign Additional Staff Early in the Process

  • Lesson 3: Account for All Students

  • Lesson 4: Establish Traffic Control Plans for Evacuations

  • Lesson 5: Build Relationships With Law Enforcement

Click here to read more.  

What is Compassion Fatigue?
Traumatic Stress. Vicarious traumatization.
Compassion fatigue is the experience of short-term exhaustion and traumatic stress reactions associated with exposure to the suffering of others. It is the weariness that comes from caring.
  
When to seek self care?
Seek support and consultation routinely for yourself in order to prevent "compassion fatigue." Be aware that you can develop compassion fatigue from exposure to trauma responses of the children with whom you work.   
  
Resources:
Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project: http://www.compassionfatigue.org
ProQOL Assessment: http://www.proqol.org
We hope that you find these resources helpful. Invest Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is sponsored by VEHI and the Vermont School Boards Insurance Trust (VSBIT). EAP can be accessed by any school employee free of charge. 
  
Remember, Invest EAP is here to help. If you are experiencing any issue related to school trauma, are concerned about a student or colleague, or would like support or consultation for any other issue, please call us to speak with a Master's level licensed clinician 24/7 at 800-287-2173.
  
Sincerely,

The Staff at Invest EAP