Youth ministers are on the front lines of teen mental health crises every week. Most have zero formal tools for it.
Youth ministers are first responders for self-harm disclosures, abuse reports, and suicidal ideation - but most seminaries offer zero crisis training.
When an incident happens, there's no documentation system. Details get lost, follow-ups fall through cracks, and liability exposure grows.
Are you a mandatory reporter? What are you legally required to do? The answer varies by state, and getting it wrong has serious consequences.
Flare gives you the tools, protocols, and documentation you need when a teen is in crisis.
Step-by-step decision trees for the most common crisis disclosures. When a teen tells you something alarming, you'll know exactly what to say, what to do, and who to call.
A teen has disclosed self-harm
Stay calm, listen actively
Thank them for trusting you
Do NOT promise secrecy
Document, notify parents, connect to counselor
Same-day parent contact, safety plan, mandatory report check
Do not leave alone, call 988, contact parents immediately
Create encrypted, date-stamped incident reports that protect both the student and your ministry. Track follow-ups, status changes, and resolution.
Three layers of resources at your fingertips. National crisis hotlines are always there. Nearby treatment facilities are auto-populated from SAMHSA based on your parish location. And you can add your own trusted local counselors, therapists, and crisis centers.
Under Texas Family Code 261.101, all persons who suspect child abuse or neglect are required to report. This includes youth ministers and volunteers.
Texas law requires a report to DFPS within 48 hours of suspicion
1-800-252-5400 or report online at txabusehotline.org
Record what was disclosed, when, and your report confirmation number
State-specific requirements at your fingertips. Flare tells you exactly what you're legally required to do based on your state, your role, and the type of incident.
Three steps from disclosure to documented response.
A student shares something concerning - self-harm, abuse, suicidal thoughts, or substance use.
Open Flare on your phone. Select the crisis type. Follow the step-by-step response flowchart in real time.
File an encrypted incident report. Connect the student and family with local professional resources.
Set up Flare before you need it. Free to start, no credit card required.
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