Crisis Intervention & Mental Health Flashcards
6 cards from real SSW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Crisis Intervention & Mental Health flashcards as text
What is the first step a school social worker should take when a student expresses suicidal ideation?
Answer: Conduct a risk assessment to determine the level of danger and ensure immediate safety
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.
Under what circumstances is a school social worker legally required to break confidentiality?
Answer: When there is suspected child abuse or neglect, danger to self or others, or a court order
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.
What is a safety plan in the context of school-based crisis intervention?
Answer: A collaborative document listing warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts to help a student manage crisis
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.
What is trauma-informed practice in a school setting?
Answer: An approach recognizing that many students have experienced trauma and adjusting practices to avoid re-traumatization
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.
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and why are they relevant to school social work?
Answer: Traumatic events in childhood including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction that impact long-term health and behavior
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.
What is the role of a school social worker during a school-wide crisis event?
Answer: To provide immediate psychological support, coordinate with crisis teams, and facilitate recovery efforts
During a crisis, school social workers provide immediate psychological first aid, participate in crisis response teams, assess student needs, facilitate group and individual debriefing, and coordinate long-term recovery.