SSW Crisis Intervention & Mental Health

Question 1

What is the first step a school social worker should take when a student expresses suicidal ideation?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a risk assessment to determine the level of danger and ensure immediate safety

Answer

Immediate risk assessment is critical when a student expresses suicidal ideation. The social worker must evaluate the severity of the threat, ensure the student's safety, and determine the appropriate level of intervention.

Question 2

Under what circumstances is a school social worker legally required to break confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

When there is suspected child abuse or neglect, danger to self or others, or a court order

Answer

Mandatory reporting laws require breaking confidentiality when there is suspected child abuse/neglect, imminent danger to the student or others, or when compelled by a valid court order.

Question 3

What is a safety plan in the context of school-based crisis intervention?

Accepted Answer

A collaborative document listing warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts to help a student manage crisis

Answer

A safety plan is a collaborative tool created with the student identifying warning signs, personal coping strategies, supportive people to contact, professional resources, and steps to reduce access to lethal means.

Question 4

What is trauma-informed practice in a school setting?

Accepted Answer

An approach recognizing that many students have experienced trauma and adjusting practices to avoid re-traumatization

Answer

Trauma-informed practice recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on students and integrates knowledge about trauma into school policies, procedures, and practices to create a safe and supportive environment.

Question 5

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and why are they relevant to school social work?

Accepted Answer

Traumatic events in childhood including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction that impact long-term health and behavior

Answer

ACEs are traumatic childhood experiences (abuse, neglect, household dysfunction) that research shows have cumulative negative effects on physical health, mental health, academic performance, and social outcomes.

(SSW) School Social Worker Practice Test

(SSW) School Social Worker Practice Test

SSW Crisis Intervention & Mental Health