Developing and Using Individual Crisis Management Plans (ICMPs) Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of an Individual Crisis Management Plan (ICMP)?

Answer: To provide a proactive plan to prevent and de-escalate crises

The ICMP is fundamentally a proactive tool. Its main goal is to provide a consistent, individualized plan to help staff understand a child's needs and prevent crises from occurring, as well as guide responses when they do.

Which of the following is an essential component of a comprehensive ICMP?

Answer: A list of the child's known triggers and setting conditions

A useful ICMP must identify the specific events, situations, or internal states that typically precede a child's challenging behavior. Knowing these triggers allows staff to implement preventative strategies.

Who are the most important participants to include when developing a child's ICMP?

Answer: The child, family/guardians, and direct care staff

A collaborative approach is key to a successful ICMP. The child (when appropriate), their family/guardians, and the direct care staff who know them best all provide critical perspectives for creating a holistic and effective plan.

The section of the ICMP that details strategies to help a child maintain self-control *before* signs of agitation appear is the:

Answer: Proactive Strategies section

The most effective interventions happen before a crisis begins. The proactive strategies section outlines what staff can do on a daily basis to meet the child's needs, build skills, and reduce the likelihood of a crisis.

When should an ICMP be reviewed and potentially updated?

Answer: On a regular schedule and after any major crisis incident

ICMPs are living documents that must adapt to a child's progress and changing needs. A regular review schedule, combined with a review after any significant incident, ensures the plan remains relevant and effective.

During a crisis, the main function of the ICMP for the responding caregiver is to:

Answer: Serve as a guide for individualized de-escalation techniques

In the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to think clearly. The ICMP serves as a quick reference guide, reminding staff of the specific, individualized strategies that are most likely to be effective for that particular child, ensuring a consistent team response.