The Role of Policy in Creating a Supportive Social Context for the Management of Loss Experiences and Critical Incidents in School Communities

Abstract

School communities globally are experiencing traumatic events that have the potential to affect the following: the mental health of those involved; the academic progress of students; the work life of teachers; and the public perception of schools as safe physical and psychosocial environments. This potentially widespread impact necessitates the adoption of a comprehensive management strategy. This article describes suggestions for management of these incidents based on the following: a social construction of grief; an ecological public health perspective on loss and grief; and research on educational change. Elements of a supportive school environment will be used to exemplify the proposed approach. The crucial element of the supportive environment was the development of a critical incident management plan. This “working policy” demonstrated coherence between practices and philosophy, indicated a proactive approach for loss and grief and critical incident management and a legally accountable organization.