Embedded Files
Children in Crisis
Children in Crisis
Children often show distress through behaviour because they don’t yet have the words to describe complex feelings. Crisis for a child can look different from teens — and the support responses need to match their developmental needs.
Emotional Signs
Inconsolable crying
Sudden extreme fear
Clinginess or panic when separated
Shutting down / going silent
Behavioural Signs
Behavioural Signs
Aggression (hitting, kicking, throwing)
Hiding under tables, running away
Regressive behaviour (baby talk, toileting accidents)
Meltdowns beyond typical behaviour
Situational Triggers
Situational Triggers
Parent late for pickup
Loud conflict
Bullying
Overstimulation (noise, crowd)
Disclosure of harm/abuse
Golden Principles for Children
Golden Principles for Children
Children borrow calm from adults.
DO
Get down to their eye level
Use soft tone and simple words
Offer physical co-regulation (if appropriate):
“Can I sit next to you?”Reduce stimulation (quiet space)
Give simple choices:
“Sit here or on the mat?”
DON’T
Lecture
Ask “What’s wrong with you?”
Shame behaviour
Force eye contact
Overload with questions
Promise secrecy
Response Steps
Response Steps
STEP 1 — Ensure Immediate Safety
STEP 1 — Ensure Immediate Safety
If the child is in danger (self-harm, violence, medical risk):
📞 000 — Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance/Fire)
STEP 2 — Calm & Stabilise
STEP 2 — Calm & Stabilise
Slow breathing together
Gentle reassurance:
“You’re safe right now.”
“I’m here to help.”
STEP 3 — Contact your direct leader immediately
STEP 4: CHILDREN-SPECIFIC & CRISIS SUPPORT CONTACTS
STEP 4: CHILDREN-SPECIFIC & CRISIS SUPPORT CONTACTS
Please ensure you follow The Rocks Safe Child Policybefore contacting any of these services.
24/7 Crisis & Mental Health Hotlines
Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) — free, 24/7 phone & online counselling. 1800 55 1800
CAMHS Crisis Connect — urgent crisis mental health support for children/young people 1800 048 636
Lifeline — 24/7 emotional support & suicide prevention. 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service — professional support for people affected by suicide 1300 659 467
Emergency Mental Health & Local Services
Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL) – trained clinicians for urgent mental health support
(Perth metro): 1300 555 788
(Peel region callers: 1800 676 822)
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or a child at risk (but not an immediate emergency):
• Department of Communities — Child Protection & Family Support Central Intake: 1800 273 889 (business hours) 
• Crisis Care (after hours) – info, counselling, and child safety response: 1800 199 008 
These lines help you report child safety concerns and connect families with support.
Other Support Services (Useful in Broader Child Needs):
• 13YARN — culturally appropriate support (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander): 13 92 76 
• 1800RESPECT — support for sexual assault and family violence: 1800 737 732 
• Healthdirect — nurse help and advice (24/7): 1800 022 222 
Parents / Guardian
Parents / Guardian
Contact parents unless doing so places the child at further risk (follow The Rocks Safe Child Policy)
Level of Crisis
Level of Crisis
How to talk to Children in Crisis
How to talk to Children in Crisis
Helpful
Helpful
“You’re safe right now.”
“I’m here with you.”
“Tell me what’s happening.”
Avoid
Avoid
“Stop crying.”
“It’s nothing.”
“You’re fine.”
STEP 5: Documentation
STEP 5: Documentation
Record:
Record:
• What was observed
• What child said
• Actions taken
• Who was notified (parents, child protection, services.
Reporting:
Reporting:
After the child/teen is safe and immediate actions have been taken, reporting must happen. This protects the young person, the leader, and the organisation. Below are forms to submit your report.
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