Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The practical implications of these recommendations are broad, sweeping revisions
to federal guidance and doctrine to include children's issues in planning, fund-
ing, and response efforts. As an example, revisions to the Target Capabilities List
are cited specifically in the report as well as integration of specialists in children's
issues within the federal response infrastructure. At the local, tribal, and state lev-
els, specific guidance and funding are recommended within the report to support
full integration of preparedness relative to children at all levels of government.
These recommendations, and the report overall, may require specific identification
of positions to manage issues relative to children and families within the Incident
Command System structure during an activation.
Mental Health
The NCCD report contains five recommendations regarding mental health issues
for disaster planning and response relative to children. Recommendations direct
the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to
◾
Lead efforts to integrate mental and behavioral health for children into public
health, medical, and other relevant disaster management activities.
◾
Enhance the research agenda for children's disaster mental and behavioral
health, including psychological first aid, cognitive-behavioral interven-
tions, social support interventions, bereavement counseling and support,
and programs intended to enhance children's resilience in the aftermath of
a disaster.
◾
Convene a working group of children's disaster mental health and pediatric
experts to review the research portfolios of relevant agencies, identify gaps in
knowledge, and recommend a national research agenda across the full spec-
trum of disaster mental health for children and families.
The ultimate goal of these recommendations is to develop a disaster mental and
behavioral health Concept of Operations to formalize disaster mental and behav-
ioral health as a core component of preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
The report also recommends that all federal agencies and nonfederal partners
enhance preparedness activities and just-in-time training in pediatric disaster men-
tal and behavioral health, including psychological first aid, bereavement support,
and brief supportive interventions, for mental health professionals and individuals
such as teachers who work with children. It is likely that future national level exer-
cises and other joint local, tribal, state, and federal preparedness activities will focus
on children's issues. Recommendations throughout the report also indicate the pos-
sibility that grants may be available in the future to support preparedness efforts
relative to children.
