Crisis Intervention Models: Application, Strategies and Skills

Abstract

This paper will discuss the case study of the Rodriguez family, who has suffered an Ecosystemic crisis and the model and strategies used to help them recover from that crisis.

Case Study: The Rodriguez Family

You are a human services professional at an emergency shelter. A major flood has recently occurred in a nearby community, destroying many homes and businesses. Your new clients are the Rodriguez family: father, Michael; mother, Sarah; and twin 9-year-old daughters, Cynthia and Mary. The Rodriguez family has lost their home in the flood, and does not have flood insurance. In addition, the family's livelihood has been compromised because the restaurant where Sarah worked was destroyed in the flood. Michael is a full-time student, so the family has lost its only source of income.

Crisis-Intervention Plan

The Rodriguez family has been hit with an ecosystemic crisis. This is often a naturally occurring event that comes on suddenly often affecting a group of people leaving them in the aftermath of disaster. Resolution from the crisis will often depend upon the "proximity to the epicenter of the crisis, passage of time, and what develops over time and the environment " (James, 2008).

In order to help the Rodriguez family in the best way possible the six-step model of crisis intervention should be implemented starting with the first three steps, psychological first aid, (1) defining the problem, (2) ensuring client safety, (3) providing support. These first three steps with establish a foundation from which all other steps may be built. First and foremost the family has an urgent need to have their basic need restored to them. For example, shelter, clothing and food need to be established first and foremost. Secondly, their immediate financial needs must be secured, In order to bring some income back to the family, both Michael and Sarah should be put in touch with resources, such as a temp agency, to help them not only find a job but to see if they will qualify for their states food stamp program. Since Michael is a student he might find it convenient to find a job in his school. Perhaps they school administration will need help re-housing students who were affected by the flood, or restoring offices that suffered water damage. Perhaps he could work in the school's cafeteria to bring in money as well.

Although they do not have flood insurance, putting them in contact with their mortgage company and homeowner's insurance company might help them discover other aspects to their contract that will help them recover some financial loss. The same avenue should be taken for the restaurant. If the family has their business insured then the insurance company would be able to aid them by restoring lost assets and rebuilding their restaurant.

Once those basic needs are anchored the next steps will be to look at the ongoing needs of the family. This is where the last three steps of the six-step model will be engaged. During these steps the family will be presented with (1) examining alternatives (2) making plans, (3) obtaining a commitment. This model is most effective because it allows the families to, with the help of the worker, stay focused on coping mechanisms, and developing a plan. This places "control and autonomy" (James, 2008), back into the hands of the family members. Furthermore, this