DISTANCE FORMS OF CRISIS INTERVENTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

In the current pandemic period caused by COVID-19, the availability of distance forms of social services is exceedingly important. Crisis intervention performed in a distance format helps a person experiencing an acute crisis via telephone and online form of assistance. The paper's primary aim was to find out the use of distance crisis intervention services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia, to clarify what needs are prioritized for respondents at this time, the type of social problems they turn to crisis intervention and the usability of crisis lines during the pandemic. The quantitative survey was carried out in the form of an anonymous questionnaire, which was available only in electronic form via Google forms, and the respondents were addressed on social networks. The questionnaire was filled in by 291 respondents. Based on the processed data, the distance form of assistance is a little-sought option in solving social problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our recommendation is to support and promote the distance form of assistance more through advertising or financial support – especially considering that many crises could not be dealt with on the part of respondents or the helplines themselves.

When Helping Is Dangerous

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the growth in social services using digital platforms to provide crisis interventions for clients, families, and communities. Digitally provided services afford numerous benefits to clients, such as increased accessibility, timeliness of services, and increase of autonomy. However, there are also new ethical concerns of using digital platforms for social services, as well as dangers to providers—specifically, secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, and manifestations of these phenomena in providers' professional and personal lives. The chapter will discuss these potential concerns and the need for prevention and self-care for providers. Finally, the chapter will review the necessity for ongoing trainings and additional research concerning digitally provided crisis intervention services and occupational hazards for social service providers.

Conceptualizing Dementia Crisis and Preferences for Resolution: A Public Perspective

Background: Crisis intervention services for people with dementia in the United Kingdom are poorly defined with no standardized model of working. This may be due to the lack of a clear conceptualization of dementia crisis, resulting in variation in national service delivery. Methods: This study employed a novel public engagement questionnaire data collection technique with 57 participants to gain an updated perspective on the concept of health-related crisis from the point of view of the public. Results: Analysis revealed crisis as a transformational moment that may arrive unexpectedly but could also be the culmination of a sequence of events. Crisis resolution requires external and expert help, and associated feelings of panic and despair can engender the task of resolution by oneself insurmountable. Conclusions: Participants had clear expectations of crisis intervention services, with initial practical and emotional support to reduce risks, and a person-centered approach with family involvement.

Critical Incident Stress Management

This chapter provides a clear overview of a peer support program for first responders. The field of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) was specifically developed to prepare emergency services personnel to psychologically manage significant traumatic events and to recover from the impact of psychological trauma. CISM services are based in the theoretical foundations of crisis intervention and CISM uses the lessons learned from the 150-year history of worldwide crisis intervention services. This chapter presents a history of crisis intervention that helps the reader to understand the core principles of crisis support. It then focuses on the numerous techniques that are incorporated into the Critical Incident Stress Management field. It summarizes key peer support procedures and practices. The chapter also describes the resiliency and the “AS IF” models that aid in the application of crisis intervention services. The chapter concludes with a summary of the evidence that supports CISM services.

Reaching Young People Through Texting-Based Crisis Counseling

Texting-based crisis intervention counseling reaches young people who suffer from mental health issues at high rates yet hesitate to seek help. As a new interface, it is neither well-researched nor well-understood. This study examined 49 randomly selected text counseling transcripts and key informant interviews with two counselors to identify unique characteristics of the text counseling process and learn texter reactions to the sessions. Texters presented problems that were similar to those reported in voice-based hotlines. Texters valued the privacy and flexibility of texting that permitted them to receive help immediately rather than delaying. Counselors reported that they must be brief and direct with questions and avoid assigning emphasis to words. The written format required that both parties must be explicit and clear to convey their messages accurately. Both texters and counselors suggested that the texting option might lead young people to seek help that they might otherwise avoid. Recommendations include specialized training on strategies to assess and connect with texters using only the written word and research to develop best practices for texting-based crisis intervention services.

Female Victims of Domestic Violence: Which Victims Do Police Refer to Crisis Intervention?

Factors associated with activation of a volunteer-based crisis intervention services program for victims of police-reported intimate partner violence (IPV) were examined to determine if those for whom services were activated were representative of the overall eligible population. The study population comprised 2,092 adult female victims of male-perpetrated police-reported IPV. Crisis intervention services were requested by responding patrol officers in 415 (19.8%) of these incidents. Activation of crisis intervention services was more likely for victims who were married to their abusive partner, pregnant, or of Latina or Asian race/ethnicity and among IPV incidents involving physical abuse, visible victim injuries, and arrest of the abusive partner. Additionally, one of the city’s five police precincts was less likely than the remaining four to utilize these services. Activation of crisis intervention services was associated with factors related to need and feasibility of service delivery, but differential activation at the precinct level was also found to be influential.