Crisis Intervention Strategies Flashcards

A client becomes agitated and starts shouting in the waiting area. Which de-escalation technique is MOST appropriate first?

Answer: Speak calmly and slowly, keep a safe distance, and acknowledge their feelings

Calm verbal de-escalation, respecting personal space, and validating feelings reduce escalation while keeping everyone safe.

In a home visit, a client becomes threatening. Where should the social worker ideally position themselves?

Answer: With a clear, unobstructed path to the exit

Workers should keep a clear exit path and avoid being trapped or near potential weapons.

Which statement reflects the duty established by Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California?

Answer: Clinicians may have a duty to protect identifiable third parties from a client's serious threats of violence

Tarasoff established a duty to protect, or warn, identifiable potential victims when a client makes a serious threat of violence.

A child tells a social worker during a crisis visit that a parent hits them with a belt and leaves marks. What is the worker's obligation?

Answer: Report the suspected abuse to child protective services as a mandated reporter

Social workers are mandated reporters and must report reasonable suspicion of child abuse promptly; proof is not required.

When doing crisis work with a domestic violence survivor, what is the PRIMARY focus?

Answer: Safety planning and respecting the survivor's self-determination

Domestic violence crisis work centers on collaborative safety planning while respecting the survivor's choices.

Why is couples counseling generally contraindicated in active domestic violence situations?

Answer: It can increase danger to the victim and implies shared responsibility for the abuse

Joint sessions can provoke retaliation and suggest the victim shares blame for the abuse.

An older adult with dementia is found in an unsafe home with no food and signs of neglect by a caregiver. Which agency is typically contacted?

Answer: Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults and elders.