Crisis Intervention Flashcards
7 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 7 Crisis Intervention flashcards as text
A student discloses that a parent is physically abusing them. The school social worker's MANDATORY action is to:
Answer: File a report with child protective services immediately
School social workers are mandated reporters and must report suspected child abuse to CPS immediately upon reasonable suspicion—no investigation is required first.
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:
Answer: A passive death wish requiring direct suicide risk assessment
Passive suicidal ideation ('not wanting to be here') must be directly assessed for intent, plan, and means, even without explicit suicidal language.
The concept of 'safe messaging' guidelines in suicide prevention specifically advises schools to AVOID:
Answer: Publicizing the method and location of a suicide death
Safe messaging guidelines recommend against publicizing details of method and location, as this increases contagion risk.
A school social worker is using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). This tool primarily assesses:
Answer: Intensity and type of suicidal ideation and behavior
The C-SSRS is a validated scale that systematically rates the severity of suicidal ideation and the presence of suicidal behaviors.
Which of the following is a key principle of trauma-informed crisis intervention in schools?
Answer: Recognizing that crisis behaviors may be trauma responses, not defiance
Trauma-informed practice reframes behaviors as possible trauma responses, avoiding punitive reactions and promoting understanding.
A 10th-grade student is brought to the social worker after witnessing a violent fight. She is hyperventilating and unable to speak. The social worker should FIRST:
Answer: Use a breathing exercise or grounding technique to reduce physiological arousal
Physiological stabilization through regulated breathing or grounding must occur before any information gathering or parental contact.
What is the primary purpose of a 'safety plan' developed with a suicidal student?
Answer: To provide a personalized coping roadmap for use during future crises
A safety plan is a collaboratively created, personalized document outlining warning signs, coping strategies, and who to contact during a crisis.