UW-River Falls Offers Workshop on School Crisis Intervention and Recovery

June 6, 2013 -- All schools have a responsibility to safeguard the physical and psychological wellbeing of students and staff in the event of a crisis. How well staff respond to a crisis can influence both immediate and long-term effects on students, families and the community.  

This summer, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will run a two-day workshop on crisis intervention and recovery for mental health professionals in schools. The workshop, with curriculum provided by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), will be held Aug. 9-10 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the UWRF Hudson Center, 2501 Hanley Road, Hudson. 

"This workshop will provide mental health professionals and other school crisis intervention team members with the knowledge necessary to meet the mental health needs of students and staff following a school-associated crisis event," said Scott Woitaszewski, Ph.D., professor and director of the UWRF school psychology graduate program, and certified NASP trainer.  

According to NASP, academic achievement, students' resilience, a return to learning, and stronger families and school communities are positive outcomes of a well-prepared school. The PREPaRE curriculum is research-based training that builds on school psychologists' expertise and meets the unique needs of school safety and crisis teams. The PREPaRE workshop on crisis intervention and recovery is designed for all school professionals who provide mental health crisis intervention services. 

The registration deadline is Aug. 1 and the cost to attend is $220. Registration includes two days of instruction, workshop materials in print and CD formats and parking. Participants will earn 13 continuing education credits from NASP. Graduate credit from UWRF is also available for qualified individuals who pay tuition and complete additional coursework. 

Register online at go.uwrf.edu/PREPaRE. For more information, call Pamela Bowen at 715-425-0633 or email pamela.bowen@uwrf.edu. Discounted registration fees may be available for multiple individuals who are attending from the same school. 

UWRF provides lifelong learners with academic, professional development and enrichment programs that are practical, flexible, convenient and affordable. A complete list of courses, course descriptions and online registration information is available at www.uwrf.edu/ContinuingEducation/.