Critical Incident Management Plan (CIMP), and Trauma Reduction Programme

The findings of a Violence Frequency Survey (1996) and subsequent reported incidents indicated a rising trend in critical incidents in schools which warranted serious attention.

In the event of a critical incident -- caused as a result of any number of tragic situations such as road fatalities, drownings, suicides, murder, or other interpersonal conflicts involving students and/or staff -- those immediately involved would be affected by trauma.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture -- which has been operating this programme since 1998, assists the school community, normally within 24 hours of being notified through its Trauma Response Team.

The type of help provided depends upon a number of factors, for instance, the level of support needed by school personnel and the school's location. The Critical Incident Response Team, working with the school personnel, provides trauma counselling and follow-up to restore the school community to normality as soon as possible.

The preventive aspect of the programme provides for staff development in conflict management and violence reduction programmes such as peer leadership, mentoring, and the revitalisation of PTAs.

The Guidance & Counselling Unit is in the process of preparing guidelines to assist schools in the preventive and interventive management of traumatic incidents.