23-03 Critical Incident Debriefing

Program Instruction: 23-03
Issue Date: July 1, 2023
Effective Date: July 1, 2023
From: Kim Guay, Director
Subject: Critical Incident Debriefing

To ensure OCS can offer immediate support to staff amid a crisis or loss, related to our work together, we are issuing this Program Instruction so each employee knows the steps related to getting support.

When we experience a loss or tragedy in our work (ex. Death of a child, death of a parent, severe incident on our caseload, court decision that is challenging to reconcile, etc.) we may need additional support through a critical incident debriefing.

Debriefings are designed to help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with secondary traumatic stress issues child protection and other frontline workers face following a critical incident. The purpose of the debrief is to reduce the negative impact of the incident and accelerate recovery.

Policy:

1. Critical incident debriefing will be offered to all OCS staff who request one.

2. Critical incident debriefing will be facilitated by the OCS Wellness and Resiliency Officer or another trained professional.

3. Employees can request an individual debrief or one for a group (no larger than 8 people).

Procedure:

1. Employees will email the OCS Wellness and Resiliency Officer (WARO) with a request for a critical incident debrief. If the WARO is out of the office, the request will be emailed to the OCS Deputy Director. 

   1. Debriefs will occur within 24-72 hours from the request.

   2. Debriefs will be held either in person or on a confidential Zoom platform.

   3. Debriefs will be confidential and there will be no documentation of the session (data will be collected related to the number of debriefs requested, but no other information will be gathered).

   4. Debriefs are voluntary and are not required.

   5. Debriefs do not have an investigatory stance that would require retelling of the details, rather it places focus on the stress reactions currently being experienced and on the individual’s ability to utilize support systems and past coping techniques.

   6. Debriefs will include education about how trauma can affect individuals.

   7. The facilitator will provide resources and referrals as necessary.