Supporting Families in Crisis

Book excerpt: Natural disasters, illness, layoffs, shootings, and family violence are events experienced by families. In many of these highly stressful or traumatic situations, the lives of families are disrupted and basic family responsibilities may not be met. Head Start staff throughout the country report the growing and complex needs of the children and families they serve. This guide offers Head Start staff training on how to prevent, identify, and respond to family crises in ways that can build resiliency in families. Focuses on the skills of crisis prevention and intervention. Examines issues of family and staff safety at a number of levels: risk assessment, protection of family members, staff self-protective measures, and program measures aimed at staff safety. Illustrations.