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Coping with Disasters and Strengthening Systems: A Framework for Child Welfare Agencies
This resource was developed by the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement (NRCOI) a service of the Children's Bureau and provides information for before a disaster occurs, during a disaster, and after a disaster.
Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC)
Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Disaster Technical Assistance Center supports SAMHSA's efforts to prepare states, territories, Tribes, and local entities to deliver an effective mental health and substance abuse (behavioral health) response to disasters.
Disaster Distress Hotline
People affected by any disaster or tragedy can call the Disaster Distress Helpline, sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to receive immediate counseling. Calling 1-800-985-5990 will connect you to a trained professional from the closest crisis counseling center within the network.
Cultural Competency Curriculum for Disaster Preparedness and Crisis Response
Based on the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care, this curriculum covers definitions of disasters and culture, how to provide culturally competent services, and disaster recovery.
Cultural Awareness: Children and Youth in Disasters Podcast
The goal of this 60-minute podcast from the Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) is to assist disaster behavioral health responders in providing culturally aware and appropriate disaster behavioral health services for children, youth, and families impacted by natural and human-caused disasters. Featured speakers include April Naturale, Ph.D., of SAMHSA DTAC and Russell T. Jones, Ph.D., of Virginia Tech University. Listen to the podcast and view the presentation materials.
Helping Young Children and Families Cope with Trauma
This document from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network informs parents of common reactions or symptoms children may have following a traumatic event. It tells parents how to listen to their children and how to help them feel safe. This document addresses self-care and support for parents as well. This resource is also available in Spanish, Ayudando a Niños(as) y Familias a Enfrentarse con el Trauma (PDF, 8 pages).
How To Cope With Sheltering in Place
Sheltering in place, also known as being in “lockdown,” occurs when local officials request that people stay where they are due to an emergency. This tip sheet describes typical reactions to the stress of sheltering in place and offers ways to cope during, and return to normal activity after, the event.
Mental Health Awareness in Times of Emotional Distress
Practical advice and resources on how to deal with the effects disasters have on physical and mental health, provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Preparing for Disasters and Disruptions to Service Continuity
Preparing for disasters involves creating plans, preparing to manage during a disaster, and enhancing critical infrastructure prior to a disaster. In this section of the Child Welfare Information Gateway, you will find federal and state resources for professionals and families to prepare for disasters—both natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, fires) and human created (e.g., terrorism) —including examples of state disaster plans.
Post-Disaster Reunification of Children: A Nationwide Approach
This guide, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services, aims to help organizations and communities to develop new, or enhance existing, reunification elements of emergency preparedness plans, focusing on the reunification of children separated from their parents or legal guardians during disasters. It offers operational guidance, defines agency roles multiple levels, and provides checklists and emergency planning templates.
Psychosocial Issues for Children and Adolescents in Disasters
This booklet offers resources for those working with children in the wake of disaster. It discusses theories of child development as applied to a youth experiencing the fear, anxiety, and trauma of disaster and offers practical suggestions, case studies, and a resource guide.
Psychological First Aid
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed approach for assisting children, adolescents, adults, and families in the aftermath of disaster and terrorism. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for PTSD are pleased to make the Second Edition of Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide and accompanying hanouts available. In addition to the English-language edition of PFA, there are versions in Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese.
Ready for Anything: A Disaster Planning Manual for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs
This manual from the Administration for Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, guides youth-serving organizations in creating an emergency preparedness plan and explains the three areas of disaster planning: prevention and preparedness, response, and recovery. It includes worksheets and checklists that can help organizations prepare for disasters before they happen.
REMS TA Center Introduces New Tools for School Emergency Planning
The REMS TA Center has created new, interactive tools that can assist schools, school districts, and institutions of higher education (IHEs) in assessing their knowledge of emergency management, and in creating and evaluating emergency operations plans (EOPs):
- EOP ASSESS: This tool guides users through a series of questions to assess understanding of elements critical to creating and maintaining a high-quality EOP
- EOP ASSIST: This tool, offered as a web-accessible software application, directs users through a six-step planning process that will result in the output of an EOP, developed according to the federal guidelines.
- EOP EVALUATE: This tool can help schools and IHEs evaluate an established EOP to determine whether there are areas where it can be adjusted and improved.
Recovery: After a Hurricane
After a hurricane most families can be expected to recover over time, particularly with the support of family, friends, and organizations. The length of recovery will depend upon how frightening the hurricane was, if evacuation from home was necessary, and the extent of the damage and loss. Children's functioning will be influenced by how their parents and other caregivers cope during and after the hurricane. This webpage from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides information about recovering from a hurricane.
Recovery: After a Flood
Children react differently to a flood and its aftermath depending on their age, developmental level, and prior experiences. Some will respond by withdrawing, while others will have angry outbursts. Still others will become agitated or irritable. Parents should attempt to remain sensitive to each child's reactions.
SAMHSA Helps Communities Across the Nation Enhance Behavioral Health Care Capacity
SAMHSA and the USDA are partnering with universities, schools, and communities to build local capacity to gather and share behavioral health information. The result of this partnership, the Community Early Warning and Monitoring System, will upgrade systems of tracking behavioral health trends and enhance systems for responding to acute needs, such as those related to emergencies.
SAMHSA Behavioral Health Disaster Response Mobile App
The Behavioral Health Disaster Response Mobile App provides behavioral health professionals with evidence-based mental health and substance use information, tools, and resources that can be used to aid disaster survivors. First responders can use the app to find treatment facilities and information about hotlines and critical contacts, access resources including information on psychological first aid, and share information easily with colleagues and survivors.
Teacher Guidelines for Helping Children after Hurricanes
Children's reactions to a hurricane and its aftermath are strongly influenced by how their parents, teachers, and other caregivers cope during and after the storm. They often turn to these adults for information, comfort, and help. There are many reactions to hurricanes and other frightening events that are common among children. These generally diminish with time, but knowing that these reactions are likely—and normal—can help parents and teachers to be prepared. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed guidelines for teachers.
Tips for talking to children and youth after traumatic events: A guide for parents and educators
This fact sheet helps teachers recognize and address problems in children and teens affected by trauma after an act of violence. It describes signs of stress reactions that are common in young trauma survivors at different ages and offers tips on how to help.
Trinka and Sam Children's Booklet
From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Trinka and Sam: The Rainy Windy Day is a story developed to help young children and their families begin to talk about feelings and worries they may have after they have experienced a hurricane. In the story, Trinka and Sam, two small mice, become scared and worried when it begins to rain and storm. The rain and wind remind them of the hurricane they experienced before. The story describes some of their reactions and talks about how their parents help them to express their feelings and feel safer. In the back of the booklet, there is a parent guide that suggests ways that parents can use the story with their children. The booklet can also be viewed in Spanish, Trinka y Juan en un día de mucho viento y lluvia .
The Dialogue: Environmental Disasters and Resiliency
This issue of The Dialogue (PDF, 18 pages) focuses on environmental disasters and resiliency. Articles address the effects from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and integrating community organizations into resilience trainings, the looming threat of climate change, and culturally competent support and resilience training for 911 telecommunicators.
Back to School–Be Prepared!
As “back to school” time gets underway, this blog post provides tips for parents for creating an emergency plan and helping their children be prepared for potential emergencies.
Preparedness for Special Needs Populations: A Toolkit for State and Local Planning and Response
Developed with support from the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, this RAND toolkit guides state and local agencies in ensuring their emergency preparedness plans account for special needs populations, such as people with limited English proficiency, children, and people with disabilities.
Ready to Respond: Disaster Staffing Toolkit
Developed by Enterprise Green Communities, in partnership with HUD and other supporters, this toolkit can help affordable housing organizations develop comprehensive disaster staffing plans to protect buildings, residents, and business operations.