How do you best help a child in distress?

Question

We had a shooting in the neighborhood, near the school I work at. Two people were killed and now the killers are leaving threats on other people's answering machines-- no arrests yet, but one of the 6th grader's dads was threatened and she heard it.
She is so freaked out now. The police are involved, but she is coming to me for support.
I've just been there for her, holding her hand and listening to her cry and vent.
Does anyone have any good ideas above and beyond what I've been doing?
(I so want to go find those killers and rip their guts out!)

I work in Reno, Nevada.
The shooting was in the parking lot of a local market that is about 4 blocks from the school.

Answer 1

There *is* a chance that the phone messages are not from the killers, but rather from copy-cat type of creeps.

What you've done already is good, and I have to think that you've already told her that she can come to you with anything she needs to talk out.

You might try talking with the counseling staff at the school to see if they can offer insight on "what to do"/"how to do" ... Is it the case that she trusts *you* more than the pro-counselors? If so, then perhaps it's best for you to act as intermediary.

You might try speaking with her father .. or mother to see their take on the matter.

This is all 'above and beyond' .. and if you feel called, then "yes".

Is it acceptable to visit her at her home? This might have a beneficial effect to help her feel "safe" there.

ps: try to let go of the vengeful feelings in re the killers. It doesn't help anyone, tho I can understand the motivation

people might pray in her behalf, tho I would not put pressure on the girl herself

Answer 2

First, it is a sweet gesture to offer her a place to stay, but a very poor idea.

Bottom line, no matter how much your heart cares, you are the teacher and she is the student, and there are boundaries to what you can do and lines that should not be crossed.

The best thing is to acknowledge her right to be worried and work very closely with your school guidance counselor.

You need to reach out to appropriate resources - local social workers, mental health professionals - and not try to handle this on your own. That's how teachers end up getting themselves in trouble.

Don't get in over your head.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I would say just try to comfort her. Maybee if you know her and her parents well you could ask her dad if she could stay with you a while until you are shure she is safe. another thing would be just to do something outside of school with her to show her you care about her and that she has your trust. Try helping her with her work or not getting mad at her when she doesnt finish all her work because she already has a lot on her mind anyway. also, though unless she seems to feel comfortable with is try not to single her out. i would play some games in class to lighten things up. but dont make them mandatory. be carefull when talking about it. could you possibly post what area you live in, because i dont wach the newz and it could be close to me. well i hope i helped. keep her safe for me will ya?