Author and chaplain Thomas Shane tells dozens of stories of what it is like to provide crisis pastoral care to those caught in the grim and shocking realities of life. His book brings a balanced, spirituality-based perspective to the dead centre of heartbreaking human experiences - violent crimes, homicides, natural disasters, auto mobile accidents, suicides, child abuse, and more. The author has worked with law enforcement professionals for 30 years, and his life has been dedicated to the victims and families involved in tragedies, and particularly to the needs of police officers. His words will both encourage and instruct other helping professionals to be better prepared to deal with their own and other's needs during a crisis situation. The book gives readers an insider's view, not theoretical. Dr. Shane candidly reveals his own struggles, doubts and fears, along with the courage, faith and hope that sustains his life and work. He even addresses the complex and challenging task of offering care and spiritual counsel to the perpetrators of crimes.
Topics include: General principles for working with police, Helping people deal with guilt and find forgiveness, The real and personal risks in crisis intervention, Death notification, Chaplaincy and terrorism, What is the pastor's authority, and what is not. While many good books reveal the theory of pastoral care and the dynamics of grief work, Crisis Pastoral Care borders on a memoir of life in the midst of disaster. Anyone who deals on a regular basis with the victims of crime and disaster will find this book an invaluable resource.