Crisis or Traumatic Event

Overview

A school crisis or traumatic event can affect the emotional well-being, sense of safety, and daily routines of students and staff. During these difficult situations, schools take immediate steps to provide support, help maintain a safe environment, and connect students and families with resources.

Examples of crises or traumatic events may include the death of a family member, friend, or community member; a natural or environmental disaster; or any situation that threatens the physical safety of students, staff, or the school community. Schools work closely with families to provide information, support healing, and help everyone recover and move forward together.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention

NYC Public School-Based Efforts:

  • In accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation A-755, NYC Public Schools are required to designate a full-time staff member from the school’s crisis team to serve as a Suicide Prevention Liaison.
  • In addition, the Suicide Liaison Poster identifies the school's Suicide Prevention Liaison and highlights resources to hep recognize signs and symptoms, reduce stigma, and where to go for help (including the new national suicide and crisis lifeline, 988). 

Know the Facts - Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide

Are you concerned that someone you know may be at risk for suicide? Your first step in helping may be as simple as learning FACTS or the warning signs of suicide. The following signs may mean that someone is at risk for suicide.

  • Feelings: Expressing hopelessness about the future.
  • Actions: Displaying severe/overwhelming pain or distress.
  • Changes: Showing worrisome behavioral cues or marked changes in behavior. Threats: Talking about, writing about, or making plans for suicide.
  • Situations: Experiencing stressful situations such as loss, change, personal humiliation, trouble at home, in school, or with the law.

SUICIDE CAN BE PREVENTABLE!

If you or anyone you know are experiencing any of these warning signs, please reach out to your child’s school suicide liaison, school counselor, or school administrator.

External Agencies/Resources:

How Families Can Support Children After a Crisis

When a crisis occurs, parents and caregivers are often asked to support their children while also managing their own feelings and reactions. This can be challenging. Remember that it is normal for both adults and children to need time, support, and understanding during difficult situations.

The following strategies can help your child cope with the impact of a crisis or traumatic event:

  • Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings through talking, drawing, writing, or play.
  • Listen carefully and create opportunities for your child to ask questions.
  • Support your child as they make sense of what has happened.
  • Check in regularly to better understand your child’s thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
  • Share information honestly and in an age-appropriate way.
  • Reassure your child that you and other trusted adults are working to keep them safe, including school staff, community leaders, and emergency responders.
  • Limit exposure to repeated television, online, and social media coverage of distressing events.
  • Let your child know that a wide range of feelings and reactions are normal after a crisis.
  • Encourage healthy coping strategies, such as spending time with supportive people, engaging in enjoyable activities, maintaining routines, and taking care of physical health.

Finding Support

The resources below can help support your child and family during and after a crisis. Every NYC Public School has a Crisis Team available to provide support and respond to students' needs. If you have concerns about your child or would like additional assistance, please contact your child's school counselor or a member of the school's Crisis Team.

Crisis Support Referrals and Resources

  • 988 is New York City’s free, confidential support, crisis intervention, and information and referral service for anyone seeking help for mental health and/or substance misuse concerns, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
  • Crisis Text Line connects you with a trained crisis counselor for free 24/7. Text HOME to 741-741.
  • NYC Teenspace is a program—offered by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and powered by Talkspace—that provides any NYC teen aged 13–17 with virtual therapy with a licensed therapist, at no cost. Teens can sign up for this program on their own by following these steps. See the parents and guardians FAQ (translations available).
  • Communilife services include "Life is Precious," a Latina Suicide Prevention Program, and the VIDA Guidance Center.
  • The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. Text (678-678), chat or call (1-866-488-7386) anytime to reach a trained counselor.
  • The Samaritans of New York offers a Suicide Prevention Hotline, which can be reached at 212-673-3000, 24 hours/7 days.

Bereavement and Grief

Natural Disasters

Shootings and Violent Tragedies in the News

Trauma