Before A Crisis



How to prepare




You've just been told your child has Conduct Disorder or maybe you have been living with CD for a while now. What can you do to prepare for the next seemingly inevitable crisis?


  • Have a safety plan in place. Don't have one? We are happy to design a plan specifically for your family.


  • Gather your child's medical records and put then in an easily accessible place, preferably where the child cannot find it. We love binders for this.


  • Keep a daily log or journal detailing your child's behaviors, stressors, and other events. Remain as unemotional as possible. Never allow your child access to this!


  • Keep a hard copy list of contacts. Include names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc. Put this in your binder and keep it updated. If you need a sitter for other children in the home, have those contacts in more than one place. It's hard to find these things under stress.


  • Include a summary page for your binder. Add tabs to make specific areas easy to locate. Include a list of your child's current medications, if applicable.



  • If you need help setting up a binder or log of behaviors, please contact us for assistance.



  • Knowing whom to call for help depends on the situation. Is your child threatening to harm themselves or others? Call 911.


For other situations, consult your safety plan or call someone you trust for assistance if necessary. Look for ways to de-escalate the situation, if possible. This can be challenging when dealing with Conduct Disorder.



  • Have a "go bag" ready. Include a change of clothing for you and your child, phone chargers, something to read, extra pens/pencils, cards or other activities for your child while you wait.



  • Do your research.
  • a. Have a list of hospitals ready in the event this is something you can handle on your own. Keep in mind that not all hospitals allow admissions without a physician referral.


  • b. Understand what makes a good RTC (residential treatment center) and what does not. Have a list of those centers near you. If you need assistance, Compass has a list of resources for families.



  • Know what is best for YOUR child and advocate from that standpoint.



As always we are here to help!







During A Crisis



What To Do



Your child has reached the critical stage and it's all hands on deck. What do you do now? Take a breath and remember that you have prepared for this!


  • Make the call. If you need police or EMS assistance, call them first. If you need a sitter, call them next.



  • Grab your binder and go bag. Expect a long wait if going through the ER for crisis placement. If you are going directly to the crisis facility, the wait is still a long one. It's best to be prepared.



  • If at all possible, speak with the physician or intake personnel outside of your child's hearing.



  • Remember, you are not a bad parent for needing assistance in these situations!


After the Crisis



What Next?



You've made it through the initial crisis and your child is in a short-term facility. What does this mean and where do you go from here?


The first thing to do while your child is in a short-term facility is to breathe. This is your opportunity to practice some self care as well as see to the needs of the other family members.


  • Don't feel guilty and don't allow anyone else to impose guilt upon you. Only you know what is best for your child and your family.



  • As stated above, take the opportunity to relax for a moment. Families living with CD are always on edge. Some families will watch a funny movie, sleep, take a long shower or bath, have lunch with a friend. Doing these things will regenerate your spirit. Insisting upon taking time for yourself does not make you a bad person nor a bad parent.



  • Evaluate, or re-evaluate, your safety plan. Is there something you can do that hasn't been done? Do you need to add further safety features, such as cameras or door/window locks? Are all potential weapons put in a non-accessible area?



  • Decide whether your child needs additional services from the community. Contact us for further information on this subject.



  • Does your child need more intense, longer term care than what is provided in outpatient or short-term settings? If so, begin to focus your attention on the research you've already done in this area. Need help? We are here for you.





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