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The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, today launched the 3rd edition of Responding to Critical Incidents: NEPS Guidelines & Resource Materials for Schools (2016).

The publication is based on international research on best practice in critical incident response along with the wealth of experience of NEPS psychologists and schools who have been involved in responding to incidents over many years. The Minister extended his thanks to all for their contribution.

The revised publication offers a practical step by step guide to schools in how to respond effectively when a critical incident occurs in order to minimise the potential traumatic effect on the school community. It includes templates, advice and information on how to set up a Critical Incident Management Team and develop a Critical Incident Management Plan.

Detailed information is also provided on how schools can be proactive in developing policies and procedures that promote mental health.

New or revised information and advice have been included in the Guidelines, including:

· Revised section on Suicide / suspected suicide including information on suicide prevention and what schools need to do; information on preventing suicide contagion; how to compassionately deal with a suicidal student returning to school after an attempt
· Information on suicide risk and guidance where student expresses suicide ideation
· Teachers helping students in time of crisis: listen, protect, connect, model and teach
· Guidance on social media use
· Useful Websites and Helplines for Accessing Resources
· Some additional information, including a comprehensive FAQ guide

Minister Bruton said:

“The key to managing critical incidents is forward planning. Best practice indicates that in the aftermath of a critical incident, students are best supported by people they know and trust. NEPS psychologists’ primary role is to advise and support the school staff who know the students well and who are best placed to support them”.

“Schools now face much greater pressures. Fostering health, wellbeing and personal development enables learners to fully participate in school. Under the programme for Partnership Government we have committed to investing additional resources in the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) to ensure earlier intervention and access for young children and teenagers. We are also implementing a new are of learning at Junior Cycle called Wellbeing, which will build on the work to date in post-primary schools to support students’ wellbeing.”

Minister Bruton praised the work of schools and the invaluable experience and competence that teachers have in dealing with children and young people in times of distress. He emphasised the importance for school staff to adhere to the advice and information contained in the publication for support with this difficult work.

Minister Bruton expressed his appreciation to NEPS on the publication of the revised Guidelines, knowing that schools will benefit greatly from this highly accessible advice and information. He also acknowledged the other agencies who have worked jointly with NEPS psychologists in responding to incidents.

Finally, the Minister extended his sympathy and admiration to all the schools and families who have shown wonderful strength, compassion and resilience at times of tragedy.