Univ. of Iowa team of researchers addresses gaps in K-12 crisis support

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - The University of Iowa’s Scanlan Center for School Mental Health is addressing what’s being called a “longstanding gap in support.” Through a needs assessment, a team of researchers says crisis management in schools, on average, lasts three days.

After a crisis like a fatal car crash, suicide, or natural disaster, UI Assistant Director of Clinical Services & Crisis Response Taylor Ford and her team keep in contact with school administrators to offer services if needed. Because their services can be offered several days after a crisis they’ve made it customizable.

“We were really intentional about designing post-crisis services, meaning we come in after that initial crisis stabilization period because we know the crisis isn’t over after that 1 to 3 days,” said Ford. “We talk about all kinds of things, some people want to talk about the crisis event or situation itself, but other times we find with these crisis situations that impact the whole school, it brings up a lot of other stressors or traumas for kids and adults.”

With Area Education Agencies playing a part in this type of service, she says there can be a lot of questions in terms of crisis response in schools.

“I think we’ll kind of see how that plays out over the next year,” said Ford. “Our hope is to keep doing this and as the needs of the state change, we’re really good at being flexible, and adapting, and pivoted if needed.”

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