Safe & Healthy Schools Conference
February 13, University of Richmond
This in-person event will include an engaging Keynote address with Chris Joffe of Joffe Emergency Services; a Deep Dive Workshop; Learning Tracks for Health & Physical Wellness Social, Emotional & Academic Support, and Safety & Security; and small-group collaborative conversations at the picturesque University of Richmond. Additionally, a pre-conference Youth Mental Health First Aid Training with VAIS experts will be offered before the conference (see details below).
- Build your understanding of best practices for student and faculty success and wellness.
- Strengthen your skills for decisiveness and action in crises.
- Engage in collaborative conversations to support students.
To see the schedule for the day, click here.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
February 12, 12:00 – 5:00 PM, University of Richmond
**Additional Fee
In this hybrid course, you will complete pre-session work online and work with peers in person. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions, and provide initial help, and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents; builds an understanding of the importance of early intervention; and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent who is in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.
The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorders. Participants do not learn to diagnose or provide any therapy or counseling – participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis.
SAFE & HEALTHY SCHOOLS KEYNOTE: Chris Joffe, Founder and CEO at Joffe Emergency Services
In this timely keynote presentation, we’ll explore the leadership skills every school professional needs to move beyond the shock of a crisis and step into decisive action. This session will empower school personnel to:
- Conquer Denial: Explore the psychological barriers that prevent immediate action in emergencies and learn strategies to overcome them.
- Lead Confidently: Receive practical guidance on how to assume the role of Incident Commander and make rapid, informed decisions under pressure.
- Master the First 7 Hours: Plan for navigating the critical first phase of a crisis, ensuring clarity and control over the situation.
Together, we’ll debunk common myths about emergency response and emphasize the integration of safety protocols within a school setting. By the end of the session, attendees will feel empowered to take decisive action during the first 7-seconds, 7-minutes, 7-hours of a school-related emergency.
Deep Dive 2-Hour Session
Navigating Crisis Reunification: A Tabletop Exercise Workshop
Chris Joffe, Founder & CEO and Cat Cecere, Managing Director of Learning & Management Practice; Joffe Emergency Services
Think back to a time when a typical school dismissal had to be altered suddenly. What caused the disruption, and how did the process unfold? This workshop will examine the crucial differences between routine dismissal procedures and the complex protocols required for emergency crisis reunification. Participants will gain an understanding of reunification as a critical element in restoring safety and stability following an emergency, rather than just an operational task.
In this session, participants will:
- Understand Reunification’s Role: Learn how crisis reunification differs from standard dismissals and why it serves as the final but essential phase of an emergency response.
- Lead with Confidence: Explore the responsibilities of crisis operations leaders during reunification.
- Plan for Success: Engage in an interactive exercise that helps build a capable crisis reunification team.
Participants will practice in small groups, simulating the role of Incident Commander during the reunification phase. Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable plan, including a detailed timeline to prepare their school’s reunification protocol. By focusing on overcoming denial and addressing the unique needs of each school, this session will empower participants to confidently lead their schools through crisis reunification.
REGISTRATION:
| Who? | Registration Fee: |
| VAIS Member | $275 |
| Non-member | $550 |
Registration/refund deadline: January 24
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