Crisis Intervention Team
The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is a multidisciplinary Student Services team comprised of school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and mental health facilitators. The team is organized by geographic regions and includes team leaders as well as supporting team members.
The CIT aims to provide prevention, intervention, and postvention in response to crisis situations within the schools or communities of Polk County Public Schools. CIT members are certified in the use of the PREPaRE model, which is an evidence-based crisis intervention model developed by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Services provided by the CIT include:
- Multi-tiered interventions in the aftermath of the death of a teacher, student, parent, or other significant loss
- Training and support following a local or community disaster
- District-wide training on crisis topics
- Crisis prevention and awareness activities
- Networking with community agencies on crisis intervention and mental health issues
The regional assistant superintendent or school principal contacts the Crisis Intervention Team Coordinators when help is needed. Details of the intervention are discussed to plan for the needs of the students and school staff. Information and resources will be shared with parents and families when appropriate.