School psychologists play a key role in crisis response in schools. Advance planning and crisisteam training are critical, as are establishing first steps to supporting physical and psychologicalsafety.

Grief can result from many types of loss (e.g., death, divorce, transitions). How childrengrieve can be influenced by age, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, mental health,disabilities, and other factors.

While an armed assailant on school property is very rare, schools are increasingly being required to consider how to best prepare for and respond to these events.

Behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) is a multidisciplinary, fact-based, systematic process designed to identify, assess, and distinguish between incidents where a student has no intent to cause harm and incidents in which the student does pose an actual threat of targeted violence. The systematic and proper implementation of BTAM helps avoid impulsive and potentially harmful decisions that can lead to unnecessary suspension and expulsion or referrals to the juvenile justice system.

Educator and caregiver exhaustion and chronic stress can significantly increase when pervasive societal stressors occur concurrently. School leaders must actively strive to builda culture that encourages school personnel to prioritize personal well-being.

At some point, we all face difficulties. Being resilient is important to dealing successfully with life’s challenges. This document offers tips for supporting resilience.

At some point, we all face difficulties. Being resilient is important to dealing successfully with life’s challenges. This document offers tips for supporting resilience.

High profile tragedies, such as acts of mass violence or natural disasters, are frightening and upsetting. Adults can help children understand what is happening factually, how events do or do not impact their lives, and how to cope with their reactions.

Natural disasters can be especially traumatic for children and youth. This resource lists the issues associatedwith specific disasters, provides information for both families and schools immediately following a naturaldisaster, and shares suggestions to help children adjust to relocation.

Lockdowns can save lives and are considered best practice in crisis response. However, they can produce anxiety, stress, and traumatic reactions in students or staff if not conducted appropriately. Following best practices and attending to the psychological well-being of students and staff can help minimize the potential for unintended harm.

Parents, family members, and caregivers can encourage mental wellness and promote social,emotional, and academic success. Good mental health is not simply the absence of illness, but alsoincludes skills necessary to cope with life’s challenges.

Educators can encourage mental wellness and promote social, emotional, and academic success.Good mental health is not simply the absence of illness, but also includes skills necessary to copewith life’s challenges.

Youth suicide is a serious problem but is preventable. Use this infographic to share with teens on how to help a friend in need.

Youth suicide is a serious problem but is preventable. Use this infographic to share with teens on how to help a friend in need.

Families and school personnel play a critical role in helping to reestablish a senseof normalcy and security for children after an act of violence occurs.

Schools increasingly use social media to communicate essential information regarding crisis events. Parents and community members can easily receive real time alerts or notifications to get factual updates and helpful support.