THE ROLE OF SCHOOL CRISIS-INTERVENTION TEAMS TO PREVENT AND REDUCE SCHOOL VIOLENCE AND TRAUMA

Although the frequency and severity of school crisis and youth violenc e have increased dramatically in recent years, many school psychologis ts and administrators still lack training in crisis intervention. Few schools have been prepared to manage a crisis and little emphasis has been placed on prevention activities. This article provides a framewor k for schools to guide crisis intervention efforts. Practical examples are provided to assist schools in examining their resources as they d evelop crisis intervention teams. School safety techniques being utili zed nationally are outlined. School crises and youth violence represen t an opportunity for school psychologists to provide much needed leade rship and to broaden the role of school psychology.