SCASP is committed to supporting South Carolina’s school communities before, during, and after a crisis. Whether your school is responding to a tragedy, reviewing its crisis plan, or supporting a single student through a loss, the resources on this page are here to help.
Acts of violence, sudden death, natural disasters, and other traumatic events can bring on fear, anger, confusion, and sadness. Those reactions are often strongest in children and youth, particularly students already coping with loss or trauma in their own lives. Educators and caregivers are usually the first people students turn to for reassurance, and having clear, developmentally appropriate language ready makes a real difference.
The following resources from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) are freely available to schools and families:
- Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Families and Teachers — Practical strategies for adults supporting children after a traumatic event.
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators — Guidance on how to start the conversation, by grade level. Also available in multiple languages.
- Trauma — How children experience trauma, warning signs to watch for, and guidance for crisis teams.
- Addressing Grief — Supporting bereaved students, including Addressing Grief: Tips for Teachers and Administrators.
- School Safety and Crisis Resource Center — NASP’s full library, covering threat assessment, suicide prevention, care for caregivers, reunification, media considerations, and more.
Crisis Consultation and PREPaRE
If you would like consultation on site-specific crisis response concerns, support is available. School psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors across South Carolina have been trained in crisis response through the PREPaRE model, NASP’s evidence-based framework for school crisis prevention, preparedness, and response.
To learn more about PREPaRE-trained personnel near you, contact Dr. Lisa Lipscomb at [email protected].
Immediate Support
Anyone in South Carolina experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
SCASP is proud to be part of a resilient community of educators and mental health professionals in South Carolina. We stand ready to support you and the students you serve.
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