The goal of this presentation is to address the unpredictable nature of crisis intervention in the field. The structure of the class based upon the presenter's belief that crisis workers are often given theory and little practical intervention skills, and the fact that as our society grows more violent, front line workers are at greater risk for personal injury. A study done by Kipper in 1986 indicated that after police officers, social workers were assaulted more often than any other occupation.
Effective in field crisis intervention begins before the worker leaves the office. A "pre-plan" should be done including giving copies of schedule to support staff or supervisor, evaluating the reasons for going to the home as well as evaluation of neighborhood surrounding and risk factors.
The tools for effective crisis intervention begins with a knowledge of communication skills. Included in this is an evaluation of body language, voice inflection as well as messages being sent. The worker should listen with his/her whole body, including listening to instincts. The worker must also censor his or her body language and project confidence.
Violence can not always be predicted, but certain risk factors indicate a predisposition for impulsive and possibly violent acts. These include substance abuse, mental illness with psychotic features, and any situation where an individual stands to lose "power" or "control" over his/her situation.
Actual intervention with individuals with persons who are violent and suicidal will be discussed in detail in the seminar. Some specific example will include paraphrasing, "giving choice and restoring control," as well as making connections.
Article cited:
Kipper, W. (1986). Violence and the social worker. New Society (9/26). 7-8.