First Responders
When a family is in crisis, first responders are the most important ones in showing compassion and connecting those in need to local.
You’re response is key. If families have a good experience with first responders, they are much more likely to reach out for help in the future.
What can you do?
Make connections
Leave good referral information with the families so they know whom to connect with next. If possible, make a warm referral Offer to contact the group yourself to connect the family to resources. Yes, this is time consuming, but can often yield incredibly positive results for families and decrease isolation.
Take care of yourself
Exposure to others’ pain and suffering can cause “Secondary Traumatic Stress” as professionals start to experience symptoms similar to the traumatized person they are trying to help. Learn more online here.
Be the face of the community
Display your compassion and empathy as you carry out your professional duties.
Go the extra mile
As mandatory reporters, make the effort to connect the family with resources as well as reporting what you see to child protective services. Many reports are not investigated and the family may benefit greatly from your referrals, especially in cases of suspected neglect.
Learn what to look for
National child welfare experts have developed a handbook especially for first responders that outlines how to recognize and deal with cases of child abuse and neglect. The Department of Justice has a similar guide specifically for members of law enforcement.
Don’t forget the kids
Interact with children or youth if they are present at the scene and it doesn’t interfere with your duties. Children and adolescents describe feeling invisible in times of family crisis as adult-to-adult interaction is the priority. Even a brief greeting and an exchange of names to show that you know they matter can make a big difference.
Be informed
Have a good working knowledge of resources for children and youth at school in the community so you can be a source of good information for families.