Boundaries
What is a boundary?
A: What is a personal limit or rule that helps protect well-being and relationships?
Explanation: Boundaries help create safe, respectful, and professional interactions—for both staff and residents.
Why is self-care important for staff in high-stress environments?
What is to prevent burnout and support emotional regulation?
Explanation: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Regular self-care allows staff to stay effective and compassionate.
What does .370 refer to in the context of mental health law?
What is a legal statute for determining if a person is fit to aid and assist in their legal defense?
Explanation: ORS 161.370 outlines a process for evaluating whether a person with mental illness can meaningfully participate in their court case.
What does C-PTSD stand for?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). C-PTSD develops after prolonged or repeated exposure to trauma, often in childhood or through institutionalization.
What is one goal of taking residents on community outings?
What is increasing social skills or promoting community integration?
Explanation: Community outings help residents feel more connected, build confidence, and learn appropriate behaviors in real-world environments, which supports long-term independence.
True or False: It’s okay for staff to share personal phone numbers with residents if they trust them.
What is false?
Explanation: This blurs professional boundaries and may set up inappropriate expectations or safety concerns.
Name one physical self-care activity staff can do during a shift break.
What is taking a short walk, stretching, or deep breathing?
Explanation: Physical movement relieves stress and can help reset the nervous system during or after challenging moments.
Who determines whether someone is able to “aid and assist” in their legal process?
What is the court, often with input from a mental health professional and parole officer?
Explanation: Clinicians assess and inform the court, but the judge makes the legal determination.
True or False: PTSD can develop after a single traumatic event or repeated exposure to trauma.
What is true?
Explanation: Both acute and chronic trauma can cause PTSD. For group home residents, trauma often comes from long-term exposure, like abuse or neglect.
Before going on an outing, what is one thing staff should always check for each resident?
What is any special accommodations, med times, supervision needs, or safety concerns?
Explanation: Each resident has unique needs; checking support plans ensures safety, comfort, and compliance with care guidelines.
A resident starts calling you “mom” or “dad”, or "sweetheart", What’s an appropriate response?
What is gently reinforcing your role and maintaining professional boundaries?
Explanation: While the resident may be expressing attachment needs, it’s crucial to reinforce healthy relationship roles with warmth and clarity.
True or False: You should only focus on self-care when you’re already feeling overwhelmed.
What is false?
Explanation: Self-care should be proactive, not just reactive. Regular habits build resilience and prevent crisis fatigue.
True or False: A resident under .370 supervision is considered guilty of their charges.
What is false?
Explanation: These residents are not guilty unless convicted. They are in a legal limbo while undergoing restoration of competency.
Name one symptom of PTSD you might observe in a resident.
What is hypervigilance, avoidance, nightmares, or emotional numbing?
Explanation: These symptoms may look like agitation, withdrawal, irritability, or trouble sleeping—key signs staff should recognize.
You’re on an outing and a resident becomes dysregulated. What’s the first thing you should do?
What is ensure safety and use de-escalation techniques?
Explanation: Safety is always the top priority. Once everyone is safe, trauma-informed techniques like grounding and validation can help bring the resident back to baseline.
Name two types of boundaries staff should maintain in a group home setting.
What are emotional boundaries and physical boundaries?
Explanation: Emotional boundaries prevent over-involvement; physical ones maintain safety and comfort for both staff and residents.
What is one sign that you might need to increase your self-care practices?
What is irritability, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating?
Explanation: These signs suggest stress overload. Catching them early helps prevent deeper burnout.
What is one responsibility of staff working with a resident under .370?
What is helping them practice court-related skills or supporting treatment compliance?
Explanation: Staff play a vital role in stabilizing the environment, reinforcing skills like responding to a judge, and helping with medication or therapy follow-through.
A resident is triggered by loud noises i.e. sirens, loud voices, crowds, etc. Name one trauma-informed strategy to support them.
What is offering noise-canceling headphones or preparing them for loud environments?
Explanation: Sensory accommodations and preparation help residents feel safer and more in control, reducing dysregulation.
Name two ways staff can help prepare residents for an outing to reduce anxiety or behavioral issues.
What are using visual schedules and explaining expectations beforehand?
Explanation: Predictability reduces anxiety. Using visuals and talking through plans helps residents feel secure and reduces the chance of overwhelm or confusion.
A resident frequently tries to hug staff. How can you set a boundary in a way that is trauma-informed and respectful?
What is offer a fist bump or high five instead and explain you care about them while keeping safe space?
Explanation: Redirecting with care honors the resident’s need for connection while respecting everyone’s comfort and role.
You’re feeling compassion fatigue after several crisis calls. Name two proactive steps you can take.
What is talk to a supervisor, take time off if needed, practice mindfulness, or connect with a peer for support?
Explanation: Compassion fatigue is real. Talking it through, resting, and grounding yourself can restore energy and clarity.
Name one challenge a resident under .370 might face in a group home setting and a supportive strategy staff can use.
What is confusion about legal processes; strategy could be role-playing courtroom scenarios?
Explanation: Legal systems are complex and anxiety-provoking. Practical, low-pressure practice builds confidence and understanding.
Explain how staff can unintentionally re-trigger a resident with PTSD and one way to prevent this.
What is forcing a resident to talk about their trauma or demanding eye contact; prevention could be offering choice and respecting silence or nonverbal cues?
Explanation: Feeling forced to share or make eye contact can replicate past dynamics of powerlessness or control. Empowering residents to set the pace for conversations helps them feel safe, respected, and in control of their own healing process.
A resident refuses to return to the vehicle after a fun outing. What trauma-informed approaches might you use to guide them back safely?
What are validate their feelings, offer choices, and use calm, clear reminders?
Explanation: Transitions can be hard, especially after positive stimulation. Validation plus respectful redirection helps preserve trust and avoid escalation.