Disaster

Disaster help for parents and children

Issues related to disaster and trauma intervention are addressed in the following lists. This summary is a starting point for helping children after a disaster. The Child Advocate is devoted to children and the parents and professionals that work with them and advocate for them. If you have questions about the information presented here, please consult a physician, mental health professional, the resources listed or other professional in your area. References on the items listed here are available on request.

Listen to the Children Interview

These are questions to ask children that are directly or indirectly involved in trauma to determine their awareness, knowledge, needs and misconceptions. These questions are helpful whether the child was closely or distantly involved in the trauma.

Where were you at the time of the disaster/attack/bombing?
What happened where you were?
How did it happen?
Why did it happen?
What were your thoughts and feelings, then and now?
What did you do to help yourself - then and now?
What did others do to help you - then and now?

Dealing with Children’s Reactions

What can help a child to deal with injury, loss and distress around trauma?

Reassure that the event is over and they are "safe".
Repeat that you are "helping people".
Tell the child what you are doing.
Warn them of painful procedures and that they (children) are "good".
Explain the expected procedures and who people are.
Answer questions about the child reassuringly but honestly.
Do not initially allow the child to hear others’ stories of accidents.
Avoid telling the child about serious trauma of a friend or family member, unless the child seems capable to hear.

Trauma Intervention

At the time of the trauma what can help immediately?

Protect children from excitement such as onlookers.
Reunite children with parents immediately for comfort.
Coordinate with other caregivers.
Support parents in dealing with events.

Pain and Fear Management

What type of interventions are helpful to calm a child when a therapist or professional is involved?

Distraction
Guided imagery
Suggestion
Thought stopping
Self-instruction
Relaxation

Trauma Factors from the Hurricane Hugo Disaster

Factors to use in assessing potential risk of psychological problems:

Prior anxiety level
Damage to the child’s home
Location of the child during the trauma
Perceived severity of the trauma
Parental job loss
Age, sex and race of the child

Long Term Negative Reactions

Support and treatment can reduce these consequences:

Repeated memories
Repetitive behavioral reenactments
Trauma specific fears
Changed attitudes about people, life and the future.

Summary of Trauma Response and Intervention

Listen to the child
Reassure repeatedly
Treat all fears as genuine
Keep all promises
Reunite with parent
Encourage talking
Give choices
Use humor cautiously

Additional Resources:

Booklet for parents and professionals on Helping Children Cope After A Disaster from the Penn State Hershey Medical Center and the College of Medicine.
Helping Children after a Disaster
Children and the News
Depression in children warning signs
Link to Disaster and Trauma Resources for the Parent or Professional
AAP Offers Advice on Communicating with Children about Disasters

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