CISM Application with Children

Traumatic events involving children disturb and confuse both the children involved and the adult responders. Our children deserve the opportunity to heal from the frightening complications of childhood trauma. This class explores the developmental considerations and children's trauma response from infancy through adolescence. Preventive, intervention and recovery strategies will assist the adult responding to traumatized children. The application of principles of crisis management and the modifications necessary for children, provide a venue for adults to gain comfort in their capability to assist traumatized children. Self-care for adult caregivers who recognize the need to heal our children is emphasized.

Adults working with traumatized children must deal with their feelings of inadequacy as they seek to assist a child in crisis. Most adults do not feel prepared to deal with the intense reactions of children. Parents, caregivers, educators, crisis management professionals and emergency service CISM peer team members can benefit from the preventive and intervention guidelines and practical crisis management strategies offered in this class. Successful completion of the Train the Trainer program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Train the Trainer Program:

• Completion of the following ICISF courses: Group Crisis Intervention, Individual Crisis Intervention & Peer Support, Advanced Group Crisis Intervention, Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention and CISM Application with Children courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
• An ICISF Approved Instructor in two (2) of the following programs: Group Crisis Intervention, Individual Crisis Intervention & Peer Support, and Advanced Group Crisis Intervention.
• A masters degree or higher in a Mental Health field.
• Minimum of three years experience working with children.
• A letter of recommendation from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date that acknowledges your experience working with crisis intervention.*
• A letter of recommendation from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date that acknowledges your experience working with children.*
• A letter of endorsement from a local, state, or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.*

  * At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate's teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a fourth letter must be submitted.

• Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
• Current ICISF membership.
• A copy of a current CV or resume.
• Official course application form.
• A brief statement outlining:
  1. Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
  2. Your instructional experience.
  3. Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.

  Last updated: March 2008