Question
What are the key steps schools should take to restore safety and support after a crisis?
Answer
After a crisis, schools must prioritize reestablishing a sense of safety, routine, and emotional stability for students and staff. The return to normalcy is foundational to psychological recovery. This includes reinforcing consistent daily routines and avoiding unnecessary disruptions or emotionally charged events that may inadvertently prolong distress. While well-intentioned, elaborate memorials—such as vigils, locker decorations, or assemblies—can intensify trauma for students with direct or indirect proximity to the crisis. Therefore, careful consideration is essential to avoid imposing grief responses on those who may not have been affected.
Effective communication is also crucial. Schools should ensure accurate, unified messaging to prevent the spread of misinformation and to avoid creating trauma where none previously existed. Mental health triage becomes vital during this phase—schools should proactively identify students who may be more vulnerable due to prior experiences or personal connections to the crisis. Delegating these responsibilities ensures that support remains consistent, even when school professionals themselves are emotionally impacted.
Finally, making meaning of the trauma is a critical step in the healing process. Schools must work toward developing a new narrative that incorporates lessons learned, helping students and staff make sense of what happened in a constructive way. Protecting the well-being of caregivers is equally essential. School personnel should be encouraged to seek support, take breaks, and avoid overextending themselves, recognizing that their health is essential to effectively supporting students.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, 'Anticipating, Preparing, and Responding to School Crises', presented by Stephanie Carnes, PhD, MSW, LCSW, LL.M
