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Home > Crisis Intervention in Child Abuse and Neglect > Crisis Intervention in Child Abuse and Neglect: Overview of the Manual
Crisis Intervention in Child Abuse and Neglect
User Manual Series (1994)
Overview Of The ManualIn the past, emergency room, law enforcement, and disaster relief teams developed distinct protocols for responding to family crises. The 1970's and 1980's brought about coordinated intervention among community agencies and organizations responsible for responding to crises in cases of child abuse and neglect. Growing concern about family violence stimulated the study and development of improved crisis-intervention approaches. There has been a growing misconception regarding the definition of crisis intervention. In Child Protective Services' (CPS) practice, the terms "crisis intervention" and "emergency services" have sometimes been used interchangeably. This manual attempts to differentiate between emergency services and crisis intervention, further defining the territory and practice of crisis intervention with CPS cases. Crisis intervention and assessment are the first steps in strengthening clients' problem-solving skills. Instead of studying the client's or family's background, the crisis workers assess and focus on the unresolved problems that led to the crisis. Client and crisis worker energies are fully focused on the precipitating events and the problem-solving process. A solution-focused paradigm, which addresses the clients' concerns, can generate cooperation and quicker solutions to the crisis. Problem-solving or task-centered approaches can prevent unclear, unfocused crisis intervention. By helping clients think about what has worked for them in the past and what might be more effective now, planning and action steps are put in place for resolving the family's problems. Crisis intervention emphasizes that clients have the strengths to resolve crises. Crisis workers help clients discover and use their potential. The crisis workers' positive attitude about the clients' abilities has a powerful suggestive impact on clients. Therefore, crises present a unique opportunity for change in the lives of the parents and children involved. During a period of intense crisis, when usual methods of coping fail, families become more open to new problem-solving approaches. Moreover, during this period of imbalance, they are willing to consider that change for the better is possible. This manual, while addressing principles and techniques of crisis intervention with child abuse or neglect cases, recognizes the interrelatedness of all forms of intrafamilial and societal violence. Any situation involving suspected child abuse or neglect is a crisis. "Crisis intervention" refers to the approach or techniques used by those individuals or teams who respond to the crisis. Crisis intervention is a planned response that requires specialized roles, training, and supervision. This section has presented a brief overview of crisis. A definition of crisis, the elements and phases of crises, client feelings, and the psychological effects of crises are the focus of the next section, "Understanding Crisis." "Crisis Intervention Goals and Steps" introduces the goals and steps of crisis intervention with a nine-step model and discussion of crisis teams. "Crisis Intervention Assessment" provides suggestions for total family involvement in the assessment of the precipitating circumstances and of future risk to the children. "Crisis Intervention Treatment Approaches and Techniques" and "Understanding Special Family Situations" consider specific treatment approaches and techniques and special family situations respectively, while "Termination and Follow-up Services" offers suggestions for termination and follow-up. "Crisis Intervention Worker" and "Family-Centered Crisis Response Models" address the professional supports needed by the crisis intervention worker and five family-centered crisis response models, followed by a summary, a glossary of terms, footnote references, and a selected bibliography.
This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway. |
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