How to Work Effectively with Families in Crisis

Kim Schenkel MSEd, CCDPD Ethan Bosch MEd, CCDPD

Working with Families in Crisis

• Entering crisis situations safely• Engagement• Stabilization•Connecting

Entering Crisis Situations Safely

• Look for potential dangers Triggers for youth(s) or other family members Angry people in the home or elsewhere Aggressive animals Weapons Listen for signals of danger Be aware of your surroundings When at all possible respond in pairs

Engagement

• Respect the Family’s Values – We all have our own values, when working with families we need to be sure not to impose our values and beliefs onto the families we are working with.

• Be Aware – As professionals we are working with our families to help them meet their goals. (not what we think their goals should be =buy-in, contracting.)

Engagement Continued• Trust – Each family and member in it has their own

experiences from within that system; trusting their judgments, observations and recommendations is a needed step.

• Work Together – Each family has invited us to be a part of their lives. It is imperative to listen to their story. (Empathy and Validation)

• Be Flexible – Personal history and one’s ability to manage transitions/change varies. Families often waver while professionals are involved. (Pacing with Ambivalence)

Engagement Continued

• Be Yourself – Treat others as you would want to be treated.

• Don’t be afraid to say “I’m not sure.”• Look at the Whole Picture – Family means more

than one. (Don’t take sides)• Recognize Parents as Decision-Makers – Parents

were making decisions long before providers became involved. (Everyone makes mistakes)

Engagement Continued

• Listen to the family’s experience with “ghosts of systems past.”

• Be Creative – Brainstorm for new ideas, think outside the box

• Collaborate with Everyone Involved – Share the goals of the family. No one person or agency “owns the family.”

100% of Communication

• 93% of Communication is NON-VERBAL55% is NON-VERBAL (Body Language)38% is PARA Language (Tone)

• 7% is VERBAL WORDS

“Nobody cares how much you know until they know

how much you care.”

Attributed to Theodore Roosevelt

Stabilization

• Move to a different location if you are concerned.Across the roomTo another room To another location

• Address issues directly; don’t allow dangerous behaviors or situations to escalate on their own.

Stabilization Continued

• Know your limits.• Don’t be a cop – know when to contact

authorities. CPS, Police, 911

• Don’t jeopardize your own safety for the safety of others.

Connecting

• Know your local resources.• Establish connections with service providers

Build Relationships/NetworkRemember your ABC’s

AlwaysBeConnecting

• You don’t need to know all the answers but you should know where to get them.