Name two crisis intervention strategies used by child welfare workers.

• A. De-escalation techniques and connecting families with immediate safe housing or emergency services
• B. Long-term litigation and incarceration
• C. Publicly posting the crisis to social media
• D. Delaying response until a court is convened

Answer: (A)

In crisis intervention, the priority is to stabilize the immediate risk and keep children safe. De-escalation techniques help reduce tension and prevent the situation from spiraling, using calm communication, active listening, validation of feelings, and a non-threatening demeanor to create a safer interaction and open space for assessment. At the same time, connecting families with immediate safe housing or emergency services addresses urgent safety needs, such as securing temporary shelter or access to emergency support, so children aren’t exposed to danger while a plan is developed.

Long-term litigation and incarceration are legal actions rather than immediate crisis stabilization. Publicly posting the crisis on social media violates confidentiality and can escalate risk. Delaying response until a court is convened leaves children at risk and undermines the duty to protect. The combination of calming, supportive communication and rapid linkage to emergency resources best fits crisis intervention in child welfare practice.