Crisis Intervention and Self-Advocacy: Empowering and Supporting Our Youth

At Carrington Developmental Support Services, our mission extends beyond daily care—we are committed to fostering an environment where youth feel empowered, heard, and safely supported through every challenge.

Part 1: Cultivating Youth Self-Advocacy

One of the most empowering gifts we can give a young person is the ability to speak up for themselves. For children and adolescents in developmental support and transitional care, adjusting to new environments means learning to navigate a host of new rules, schools, and adult decision-makers.

While adults are there to protect and guide them, true empowerment comes when youth learn to take an active role in shaping their own lives.

What Is Self-Advocacy and Why Does It Matter?

Self-advocacy is the ability to understand your own needs, know what you want, and communicate those desires or concerns to others in a constructive way. For youth who have experienced instability or trauma, speaking up can feel intimidating. When caregivers actively encourage self-advocacy, they send a powerful message: Your voice matters, your perspective is valid, and you have control over your destiny. Building this skill early fosters resilience, boosts self-esteem, and prepares youth for independent adulthood.

Practical Tips for Fostering Self-Advocacy

• Practice "I" Statements: Help children move away from reactive complaints and toward clear communication (e.g., "I feel overwhelmed when homework and chores happen at the same time; can we map out a schedule?").

• Role-Play Difficult Conversations: Before talking to a teacher, doctor, or case manager, practice at home to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and provide a mental script.

• Involve Them in Their Own Planning: Never talk about a youth when they are sitting right there. Invite the child to speak first during reviews of school goals, behavioral strategies, or routines.

• Support Problem-Solving Instead of Fixing Everything: Pause when a hurdle arises and ask, "What are two ways you could handle this situation?" to build critical problem-solving muscles.

Part 2: Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Process

Sometimes it can be hard to know when a situation reaches a crisis level. We encourage you to reach out and talk with an emergency services therapist if needed.

Recognizing Signs of a Behavioral Health Crisis

Some signs that a behavioral health problem is an emergency include:

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

• Thoughts of harming someone else

• Inability to complete daily tasks (such as bathing, eating, brushing teeth, or dressing)

• Hallucinations or delusions

• Extreme withdrawal

• Verbal or physical abuse

• Rapid or extreme mood changes

• Inability to recognize friends, family, or familiar locations

Carrington's Crisis Response Process

When a behavioral crisis occurs, our team follows a structured, safety-first protocol aligned with company policies and procedures:

1. De-escalation: Staff will first attempt to de-escalate the situation utilizing TOVA (Threat, Observation, and Violence Prevention Approach) training methods.

2. Internal Notification & Support: If de-escalation is unsuccessful, staff will contact the QDDP (Qualified Developmental Disability Professional) to assist and immediately notify the Program Manager.

3. Emergency Services & Hospitalization: If internal steps do not resolve the crisis, emergency services may be contacted to transport the child to a hospital for professional evaluation and admission.

4. Continuous Supervision: The Direct Support Coordinator will never leave the child's side until the child is safely transferred and has gone through the proper medical or emergency processes.

By listening closely, modeling clear communication, maintaining rigorous safety protocols, and giving youth a true seat at the table, Carrington Developmental Support Services helps every individual navigate challenges and build a secure, empowered future.

Emergency Services Information for Youth Experiencing Crisis (Carrington will follow the codes and processed outlined by DBHDS on their website CLICK HERE)

Emergency service providers are certified by DBHDS to conduct pre-admission assessments for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis who meet the code-mandated criteria for involuntary commitment, as defined in the Code of Virginia, Chapter 37.2.

View Code 37.2