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Pathways In Action

Kyle is a 7th grade student who spends his time alone and experiences teasing and bullying that gets in the way of his daily academic work. He has trouble sleeping at night and hasn’t been eating much. Family life is stressful, and his parents often fight over money. He is struggling in his classes and hasn’t been taking care of his appearance or hygiene.

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A boy sitting on some steps looking down

Kyle starts to act out, making threats to those that tease him like “Keep it up and I’ll shoot you first.” He has few friends and spends a good deal of time online talking to others about his failures at dating and finding a girlfriend. Because of the threats he is referred to guidance counseling and Kyle shares he has had passing thoughts of what it would be like to be dead.

Using the Tool:

Rate each applicable category on Pathways. Scoring guidance is available within the tool. 

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A risk rating and a list of suggested interventions is generated.

An example of the Pathways tool

Responses:

Appearance: 2

Eating/Sleeping: 2

Home Life: 2

Social Problems: 3

Inattentive/Off Task:

Academic/Work Trouble: 2

Depression:

Suicide: 1

Self-Injury:

Manic Thoughts/Action:

Anxiety:

Hallucinations/Delusions:

Adjusting to Change: 

Transient Threats: 1

Substantive Threats: 

Social Media: 

Drawings: 

Trolling Actions: 

Affective Violence:

Outburst/Tantrum: 1 

Derogatory Language: 

Hazing/Intimidation: 

Substance Use/Abuse: 

Vandalism: 

Loss or Bereavement: 

White Supremacy: 

Incel Behavior: 1

Stalking/Harassment: 

Partner Violence: 

Sexual Assault: 

Risk Rating: HIGH

Appearance

  • Intensify efforts with parents; overcome obstacles

  • Meet with parents/guidance about counseling

  • Creative problem solving; harm reduction strategies

 

Eating/Sleeping

  • Connection to group support, counseling

  • Conversation with parents about rising concerns

  • Check in with nurse and medical staff in care meetings

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Home Life

  • Consider need for social service involvement

  • Intensify efforts with parents; overcome obstacles

  • Ensure counseling/guidance connection made

 

Social Problems

  • Clearly outline discipline and behavioral expectations

  • Meet with parents to require counseling services

  • Develop an action plan and/or IEP

 

Academic/Work Trouble

  • Meet with parents/guidance about counseling

  • Offer support, identify, manage concerning behavior

  • Develop goals to reduce triggers and increase support

Depression

  • Meet with parents to require counseling services

  • Connect to peer and social supports, inspire hope

  • Explore suicidal thoughts and refer if escalating

 

Suicide

  • Meet with parents/guidance about counseling

  • Explore stressors and identify escalation triggers

  • Connect to peer and social supports, inspire hope
     

Transient Threats

  • Explore stressors and identify escalation triggers

  • Meet with parents/guidance about counseling

  • Consider discipline to address disruptive behavior

 

Outburst/Tantrum

  • Give clear and concise directions

  • Praise appropriate behavior and good attitudes

  • Provide small, attainable goals

 

Incel Behavior

  • Explore stressors and identify escalation triggers

  • Offer support, normalization, and advice/guidance

  • Meet with parents/guidance about counseling

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