NCJ Number
213123
Editor(s)
Diana Nordboe M.Ed.
Date Published
2000
Length
60 pages
Annotation
This booklet provides information and guidance for meeting the mental health needs of children and adolescents affected by major disasters.
Abstract
The booklet first explains why disasters that shatter the lives of adults are even more difficult for children and youth, who typically have no frame of reference for or experience in coping with radical changes in the predictability, social supports, economic supports, and customary routines of their lives. Initial suggestions for those who serve the mental health needs of children in disasters are to recognize how the child is perceiving and reacting to what is happening and assist the child in finding a predictable expectation of what and how his/her needs will be met. Typical signs of emotional disturbance in children are explained for the following age groups: preschool (5 years old and younger), "latency" age (6 years old through 11 years old), and preadolescence and adolescence (12 years old through 17 years old). One section of the booklet provides guidance on helping children and their families deal with the emotional aftermath of a disaster. General steps outlined for the helping process are establishing rapport; identifying, defining, and focusing on the problem; understanding feelings; listening carefully; and communicating clearly. Ways in which service providers can help parents and other family members in meeting the needs of their children are also discussed. Case examples are provided on how to deal with separation anxiety, acting out, anxiety, disruptive behavior at school, adolescent aggression, reactions 3 to 6 months after the disaster, and anniversary reactions of children and families. The concluding section provides guidance for caregivers, mental health, and human service workers in providing mental health services, supervising human service workers, mental health training, systems consultation, and assistance for counseling staff in managing stress. 41 references, including literature for children, and appended supplementary information