Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
◾
Support disaster plans, training, and drills for child congregate care providers
that include evacuation, reunification, and addressing children with disabili-
ties or chronic health needs.
◾
Work with jurisdictional stakeholders to develop plans to establish emer-
gency child care.
◾
Identify resources in county and surrounding counties to address surge capac-
ity relative to children's needs, especially medical and mental health needs.
◾
Develop a long-term disaster recovery plan that addresses the needs of chil-
dren and families including housing, continuity of schools and child care,
and medical and mental health needs.
Conclusion
Children's needs are substantially different from those of adults and should be
treated as such. Studies have shown that the traumatic effects of a disaster, separa-
tion from friends and family, and general upheaval in their normal routines can
have long-lasting effects on health, mental health, and academic success. Effects are
even more dramatic when a child loses a loved one or a close friend. Quick, effective
intervention may not relieve the short-term sorrow and bereavement, but can place
a child on the pathway to recovery.
The recommendations set forth in NCCD report provide valid and much
needed support to the specialized planning and resources necessary to support chil-
dren in the aftermath of a disaster. Early interaction with the broad spectrum of
child stakeholders, serious consideration of child issues at every step of the planning
process, and attention to health, medical, and mental health needs will facilitate an
effective concept of operations to support children in their time of need.
References
1. National Commission on Children and Disasters.
2010 Report to the President and
Congress
. AHRQ Publication No. 10-M037. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality. October 2010.
2. National Commission on Children and Disasters.
2010 Report to the President and
Congress
. AHRQ Publication No. 10-M037. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality. October 2010, pp. 166-171.
