SAC Risk Assessment & Management 5

Question 1

A student returns to school after a psychiatric hospitalization for suicidal crisis. Who should be involved in the reintegration meeting?

Accepted Answer

The SAC, parents, school administrator, and if possible the treating clinician

Answer

Effective reintegration after psychiatric hospitalization requires a multidisciplinary team including family, school staff, and ideally the treating clinician to coordinate a seamless safety plan.

Question 2

In postvention response after a student suicide, the SAC's PRIMARY role in the first 24–48 hours is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify and provide support to high-risk students while following safe messaging guidelines

Answer

Postvention best practice requires identifying vulnerable students for immediate support while adhering to safe messaging guidelines to prevent contagion.

Question 3

The 'contagion effect' (or 'cluster suicides') in schools is BEST mitigated by:

Accepted Answer

Following AFSP/SPRC safe messaging guidelines and limiting sensationalized coverage

Answer

Safe messaging guidelines specifically advise against detailed coverage, memorialization that glamorizes the death, and public gatherings that can facilitate social contagion.

Question 4

A student identified as being at elevated risk for violence has an IEP. Under IDEA, the school's response must:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a manifestation determination review before changing placement

Answer

IDEA requires a manifestation determination review (MDR) to determine if the behavior is a manifestation of the student's disability before making significant placement changes.

Question 5

Which of the following most accurately describes the difference between a 'threat' and a 'warning behavior' in school threat assessment?

Accepted Answer

A threat is an explicit statement of intent; warning behaviors are observable patterns that indicate escalating risk

Answer

Threats are explicit statements of harmful intent, while warning behaviors are patterns of conduct (e.g., fixation, leakage, increased aggression) that signal escalating risk even without a direct threat.

(SAC) Student Assistance Counselor Certification Practice Test

(SAC) Student Assistance Counselor Certification Practice Test

SAC Risk Assessment & Management 5