The Department of Justice-Office of School Safety is working on a project to create 12 regional Critical Incident Response Teams located around the state, and is looking for volunteers to serve.
The team members would respond after the critical incident has occurred, to assist with the recovery for schools, students, and staff. A critical incident is considered anything that would overwhelm the normalcy of the school (suicide, death of a teacher, serious injuries, bomb threat, armed intruder, active shooter, threats against the school, etc.).
The team members would provide resources and support schools as they recover from a crisis, including logistics, mental health services, and Critical Incident Stress Management. It’s important to note that a response would only be provided if requested by a private school or a public school district. The Office of School Safety and team members would never force their way into schools.
Team members would be provided with free, specific training on common material so they are prepared to respond effectively. The DOJ needs volunteer social workers, psychologists, school counselors, nurses, school administrators, law enforcement, and outside community resources, to name a few. Interested volunteers should contact Kelly DeJonge at DeJongeKA@doj.state.wi.us, or call her at 608-807-8080.
