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Respond.

Incident Response

Even with prevention, harmful events can still occur. When they do, having a clear plan on how to quickly address the issues is key.

When an incident occurs

Whether you are supporting a child who has been affected by harm or guiding one who has caused it, each role is vital in fostering empathy, understanding, and healing.

What is your role?

  1. Put Safety First

    Ensure the immediate safety of all students involved. Quickly relocate students involved to separate areas where they can receive appropriate adult support. Ensure that they have access to a safe space and assistance without delay.

  2. Denounce the Hurtful Act

    Clearly condemn the harmful behavior.

  3. Create Safe Spaces for Support

    Offer support without putting those hurt on the spot. Support first, and ask questions when ready.

  4. Inform Families and Caregivers Promptly

    It is critical to notify all families and caregivers as soon as possible when an incident occurs.

  5. Ask Questions and Investigate With Care

    Gather information to understand the incident's context. Sit or kneel to be at eye level with the students, creating a safe and approachable environment. Restorative Conversation frameworks are helpful to follow.

  6. Utilize Your Community

    Involve teachers, counselors, and families in tackling the situation. Families must always be informed. You might also need to reach out to additional local resources for support.

  7. Communicate Accurate Details

    It is important to quickly dispel any misinformation surrounding the incident.

  8. Seek Healing, Avoid Blame

    Focus on resolving the issue rather than assigning blame. Avoiding shame and blame is critical when working towards understanding.