Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Crisis Prevention & Response
Crisis Prevention & Response
Every school year, at least one out of every three schools in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is impacted by a group, grade level, whole school, or community level crisis. CMS has guidelines that are developed to promote consistent, caring, and trauma-sensitive practices throughout the district that result in the reduction of trauma on students and in school communities. An acute psychological crisis is a situation in which demands created by unexpected circumstances temporarily exceed available coping resources. Examples of acute crisis events that initiate a psychological crisis may include natural and unexpected death(s), bus or car accidents, health emergencies, acts of violence, or natural disasters.
Trauma is a potential outcome of a psychological crisis experience. Trauma occurs when the events or circumstances experienced by an individual are perceived as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening. This experience results in adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and well-being.
Creating a psychologically safe school environment is a complex process - one that requires the school staff to work collectively to create a culture of safety and support. Caring, consistent, and genuine adult-child relationships are key to improving perceptions of psychological safety for students. In addition, a safe school environment must include a multi-tiered system of support for social-emotional learning, behavioral support, and trauma-sensitive practices that build staff and student resiliency.
Resources
Mental Health Crisis Resources (Spanish)
Preparing your Teen(s) for a Successful Transition (Teen Health Connection)