TCI Developing and Using Individual Crisis Management Plans (ICMPs) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An Individual Crisis Management Plan (ICMP) in TCI is BEST described as:
- A disciplinary record of a young person's crisis history
- A personalized, proactive plan outlining triggers, early warning signs, and effective support strategies (Correct answer)
- A restraint authorization form for staff to use when needed
- A clinical diagnosis document created by a therapist
Correct answer: A personalized, proactive plan outlining triggers, early warning signs, and effective support strategies
An ICMP is a proactive, personalized planning tool that equips staff with individualized strategies for preventing and responding to crises.
An ICMP consolidates individualized knowledge about a specific young person's crisis patterns into a practical reference for all staff. It identifies specific triggers, behavioral early warning signs, effective de-escalation strategies, preferred supports, and recovery needs, ensuring consistency across all caregivers.
Question 2: Who should IDEALLY be involved in developing a young person's ICMP in TCI?
- Only the clinical supervisor and program director
- The young person, their family, and the care team collaboratively (Correct answer)
- The caregiver who most frequently interacts with the young person
- External consultants with no prior relationship with the young person
Correct answer: The young person, their family, and the care team collaboratively
TCI advocates for collaborative development of ICMPs that includes the young person, their family, and the full care team to ensure comprehensive, person-centered planning.
Collaborative ICMP development produces plans that are more comprehensive, more accurate, and more likely to be implemented effectively. When young people are included in developing their own crisis plans, they gain insight into their own patterns and feel respected as partners in their care.
Question 3: In an ICMP, early warning signs refer to:
- Signs that a young person needs to be physically restrained
- Observable behavioral, verbal, or physical indicators that stress is rising before full escalation (Correct answer)
- Clinical symptoms that require psychiatric evaluation
- Administrative signals that a program review is necessary
Correct answer: Observable behavioral, verbal, or physical indicators that stress is rising before full escalation
Early warning signs are the individualized, observable cues that signal a young person's stress is escalating before they reach crisis level.
Each young person has unique early warning signs that indicate rising stress levels. These might include pacing, avoiding eye contact, increased talking speed, withdrawal, or specific verbal statements. Documenting these individualized signs in the ICMP equips all staff to recognize when a young person is heading toward crisis.
Question 4: How often should an ICMP be reviewed and updated according to TCI best practice?
- Only when a major crisis event occurs
- Regularly, on a scheduled basis, and after any significant crisis or change in the young person's situation (Correct answer)
- Once at program intake and then stored in the file
- Annually during the young person's program anniversary
Correct answer: Regularly, on a scheduled basis, and after any significant crisis or change in the young person's situation
ICMPs should be reviewed regularly and after significant events to ensure they remain accurate and effective as the young person changes.
An ICMP that was developed six months ago may not reflect the young person's current triggers, strengths, or effective strategies. Regular scheduled reviews and reviews following significant incidents ensure the plan evolves with the young person.
Question 5: Which element of an ICMP specifically addresses what staff should do to help the young person RECOVER after a crisis?
- Trigger inventory
- Post-crisis support strategies (Correct answer)
- Physical intervention authorization
- Incident documentation checklist
Correct answer: Post-crisis support strategies
Post-crisis support strategies outline the individualized steps that help the young person return to baseline and process what happened.
The post-crisis recovery phase is often underplanned but critically important. A young person who does not receive appropriate support after a crisis may remain dysregulated, experience shame, or be more vulnerable to subsequent crises. The ICMP's post-crisis section guides compassionate support and timing of the life space interview.
Question 6: An ICMP that identifies a young person's preferred de-escalation strategies reflects which core TCI value?
- Staff authority in crisis situations
- Person-centered, individualized care (Correct answer)
- Standardized responses for program consistency
- Efficiency in crisis resolution
Correct answer: Person-centered, individualized care
Identifying and using a young person's preferred strategies reflects TCI's commitment to person-centered, individualized care.
Person-centered care in TCI means recognizing that each young person is unique and that effective support must be tailored to their individual preferences, history, and strengths. When a young person can identify what helps them feel safe and regulate - and when this is consistently used - it communicates respect for their agency.
TCI Developing and Using Individual Crisis Management Plans (ICMPs) 2
An Individual Crisis Management Plan (ICMP) in TCI is BEST described as: