Thorner - BCSD Static Server - Bakersfield City School District

Safe School Plan ContinuedWhat Can You Do to Help?Everyone can take one simple step: get in touch with your emotions and how you are feeling andhow your family and loved ones are doing as well. If you think there may be a problem, getadvice from someone trained to recognize signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Payspecial attention to children's needs and talk with them in a calm, supportive way about theirfears. Don't neglect or let anyone you know neglect his or her other health care needs at this time.You should get immediate help from a trained mental health professional if you or a loved one isexperiencing any one or more of these problems: inability to return to normal routine; feelingextremely helpless; having thoughts of hurting one's self or others; using alcohol and drugsexcessively; thinking about or being abusive or violent; or having noticeable symptoms of mentalillness.Resources for Families and Friends of VictimsOffices for Victims of Crime (OVC)Federal Resource Center 1-800-627-6872 or www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovcResources For States and CountiesU.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration, Center for Mental Health Serviceswww.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/EmergencyServices/after.aspSuggestions for CounselorsDisaster CounselingDisaster counseling involves both listening and guiding. Survivors typically benefit from bothtalking about their disaster experiences and being assisted with problem-solving and referral toresources. The following section provides "nuts-and-bolts" suggestions for workers.Establishing RapportSurvivors respond when workers offer caring eye contact, a calm presence, and are able to listenwith their hearts. Rapport refers to the feelings of interest and understanding that develop whengenuine concern is shown. Conveying respect and being nonjudgmental are necessary ingredientsfor building rapport.California Healthy Kids Survey Analysis 2009-2010The most recent CHKS shows that the number of students who have ever used marijuana oralcohol has increased, while the number of students that have ever used cigarettes has decreased.Our School will continue its efforts to discourage students from ever using alcohol, tobacco andother drugs (ATOD) through the delivery of ATOD prevention programs in the classrooms. Our57