SSW Crisis Intervention 4

Question 1

A student discloses that a parent is physically abusing them. The school social worker's MANDATORY action is to:

Accepted Answer

File a report with child protective services immediately

Answer

School social workers are mandated reporters and must report suspected child abuse to CPS immediately upon reasonable suspicion—no investigation is required first.

Question 2

During a crisis, a student tells the school social worker, 'I just want the pain to stop—I'm not sure I want to be here anymore.' This statement should be treated as:

Accepted Answer

A passive death wish requiring direct suicide risk assessment

Answer

Passive suicidal ideation ('not wanting to be here') must be directly assessed for intent, plan, and means, even without explicit suicidal language.

Question 3

The concept of 'safe messaging' guidelines in suicide prevention specifically advises schools to AVOID:

Accepted Answer

Publicizing the method and location of a suicide death

Answer

Safe messaging guidelines recommend against publicizing details of method and location, as this increases contagion risk.

Question 4

A school social worker is using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). This tool primarily assesses:

Accepted Answer

Intensity and type of suicidal ideation and behavior

Answer

The C-SSRS is a validated scale that systematically rates the severity of suicidal ideation and the presence of suicidal behaviors.

Question 5

Which of the following is a key principle of trauma-informed crisis intervention in schools?

Accepted Answer

Recognizing that crisis behaviors may be trauma responses, not defiance

Answer

Trauma-informed practice reframes behaviors as possible trauma responses, avoiding punitive reactions and promoting understanding.

(SSW) School Social Worker Practice Test

(SSW) School Social Worker Practice Test

SSW Crisis Intervention 4