Youth Crisis Intervention Protocol

Effective Date: 01/01/2026

The Youth Crisis Intervention Protocol establishes standardized procedures for responding to crisis situations involving youth and families supported by ROC Youth Community Engagement (RYCE). This protocol ensures that crisis situations are handled safely, professionally, and in accordance with applicable federal, New York State, and local laws.

RYCE provides crisis response support related to behavioral health emergencies, youth mental health crises, family conflict, domestic situations, safety concerns, and system navigation. The purpose of this protocol is to ensure that staff respond to crises with urgency, compassion, professionalism, and coordination with appropriate authorities and service providers.

A crisis is any situation in which a youth or family is experiencing immediate or escalating distress that may place the youth or others at risk of harm, instability, or inability to maintain safety.

Examples of crises include, but are not limited to:

• suicidal ideation or self-harm risk
   
• threats of violence toward others
   
• acute mental health episodes
   
• severe emotional distress or panic
   
• domestic violence or family conflict
   
• runaway or missing youth situations
   
• youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability
   
• substance misuse emergencies
   
• law enforcement or probation-related crises
   
• behavioral escalation in school or community settings
   
• medical or psychiatric emergencies
   
• youth in contact with law enforcement or detention systems
   

Crisis situations may occur in person, by phone, through digital communication, or through referrals from families, schools, or community partners.

All crisis responses provided by RYCE are guided by the following principles:

• prioritizing safety for youth and families
   
• using trauma-informed approaches
   
• responding without judgment or stigma
   
• protecting youth dignity and confidentiality
   
• coordinating with appropriate professionals and agencies
   
• empowering youth and families during difficult situations
   

When a crisis is identified, staff must conduct an immediate assessment to determine the severity and urgency of the situation.

The assessment should evaluate:

• current safety of the youth
   
• presence of weapons or immediate danger
   
• mental health symptoms or distress
   
• suicidal or homicidal thoughts
   
• substance use or intoxication
   
• environmental factors affecting safety
   
• involvement of caregivers or guardians
   

Staff must determine whether the situation requires immediate emergency services.

If there is an immediate risk to life or safety, staff must:

• contact emergency services (911)
   
• notify appropriate supervisory staff
   
• remain present or on the line with the youth when possible
   
• provide calming support until emergency responders arrive
   

RYCE staff do not replace emergency responders but may assist with coordination and support.

When appropriate, staff may attempt crisis de-escalation techniques, including:

• active listening
   
• calm communication
   
• grounding strategies
   
• reassurance and emotional validation
   
• encouraging the youth to identify safe supports
   

Staff should avoid confrontation or escalation and prioritize emotional stabilization.

When safe and appropriate, staff should involve parents, guardians, or caregivers in crisis response efforts.

Communication should include:

• explanation of the situation
   
• recommended next steps
   
• available support services
   

If family involvement would increase risk to the youth, staff must prioritize safety and consult appropriate authorities.

Crisis situations often require coordination with community partners such as:

• mental health crisis teams
   
• hospitals and emergency departments
   
• school administrators or counselors
   
• law enforcement when necessary
   
• probation or court services
   
• child welfare agencies
   
• domestic violence support organizations
   

RYCE staff act as advocates and coordinators to ensure youth receive appropriate care.

After immediate stabilization, staff should assist youth and families in accessing appropriate services.

This may include referrals to:

• mental health providers
   
• crisis stabilization programs
   
• domestic violence resources
   
• youth housing programs
   
• educational support services
   
• substance use treatment programs
   

Follow-up communication should occur to ensure that youth remain connected to necessary resources.

All crisis interventions must be documented accurately.

Documentation should include:

• date and time of crisis
   
• individuals involved
   
• nature of the crisis
   
• actions taken
   
• referrals made
   
• follow-up steps
   

Documentation supports accountability, safety planning, and service coordination.

RYCE staff participating in crisis response must maintain appropriate training in areas including:

• crisis intervention
   
• trauma-informed care
   
• suicide prevention
   
• de-escalation techniques
   
• mental health first aid
   
• domestic violence awareness
   

Continuous training ensures staff respond effectively and safely to crisis situations.

RYCE recognizes that crisis situations are often moments of extreme vulnerability for youth and families. Staff are expected to respond with professionalism, empathy, and respect while prioritizing safety and stabilization.