Children’s Services in Disasters and Other Emergencies

Abstract

(from the chapter) The present chapter focuses on the psychological and social impact of disasters on children and the services targeting children's needs in post-disaster reconstruction. The relevant literature is reviewed to establish a reliable basis for predicting children's reactions to disasters, the approaches to coping and adaptation that children and families will most likely employ, and the types of mental health needs that are likely to emerge. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of identifying children who are at heightened risk or are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions in development that can result from exposure to the acutely stressful aspects of mass casualty events. Because children's mental health needs can best be understood and served in the contexts of their communities and families, emphasis is placed upon the need to integrate psychosocial services into existing social structures and institutions. Moreover, since disaster-affected populations vary along dimensions of race, class, affluence, religion, and other demographic indices of social status, this chapter highlights the importance of culturally sensitive assessment of children's needs and contextually appropriate modes of intervention. The commonly available services offered to meet children's psychosocial needs are described and service gaps or other areas of inadequacy are identified. Finally, recent initiatives are described and recommendations for further development of children's mental health services in disasters are proposed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).