How do you design and implement a CISM program for your organization or community?

1 Assess the needs

Before you start planning a CISM program, you need to identify the needs of your target population. Who are the people who are exposed to or affected by critical incidents? What are their sources of stress, trauma, or grief? What are their existing coping skills, resources, and support systems? How do they prefer to receive help and information? You can use surveys, interviews, focus groups, or existing data to gather this information.

2 Define the goals and objectives

Based on the needs assessment, you can define the goals and objectives of your CISM program. What are the desired outcomes and indicators of success? How will you measure and evaluate them? How will you align them with the mission and vision of your organization or community? How will you communicate them to the stakeholders and participants? You can use SMART criteria (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) to formulate your goals and objectives.

3 Select the interventions and strategies

Depending on the nature and phase of the critical incident, there are various CISM interventions and strategies that can be employed. These include pre-incident education and training to prepare people for potential impacts, as well as demobilization, defusing, debriefing, and individual or group crisis counseling to provide immediate emotional support. Additionally, follow-up and referral is necessary to provide ongoing support and resources to those who need further help or treatment. Other strategies such as peer support, family support, media management, or community outreach can also be used to complement CISM interventions.

4 Train and supervise the staff and volunteers

You need to ensure that the staff and volunteers who will deliver your CISM program are qualified, competent, and ethical. They should have relevant education, experience, and skills in crisis intervention, trauma, and mental health. They should also receive adequate training and supervision in the CISM model, methods, and protocols. You can use manuals, workshops, simulations, or mentoring to train and supervise your staff and volunteers.

5 Implement and monitor the program

You need to implement your CISM program according to your plan and adjust it as needed based on the feedback and data. You need to coordinate with the relevant authorities, agencies, and partners to ensure the safety, security, and accessibility of your program. You need to monitor the quality, effectiveness, and satisfaction of your program using tools such as checklists, surveys, or interviews. You need to document and report your activities, outcomes, and challenges.

6 Review and improve the program

You need to review and improve your CISM program based on the results of your evaluation and feedback. You need to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your program. You need to celebrate the achievements, acknowledge the limitations, and address the gaps. You need to make recommendations and action plans for future improvement. You need to share your findings and lessons learned with the stakeholders and participants.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?