All children, young people and families in Australia are affected by the many natural disasters that occur here. In recent years there have been floods, bushfires and cyclones that have devastated communities across Australia as well as tsunamis and earthquakes occurring around the world.  

These web pages on Disasters and Mass Adversities bring together the most relevant and reliable information and resources that can be used to support young people and their families in preparing for, coping with and recovering from disasters.  

We have provided some direct links to factsheets, booklets and other resources that can be obtained from well-recognised Australian and international websites. 

ACATLGN Resources

Children, Adolescents and Familes: Grief and Loss in Disaster

This booklet, by Professor Beverley Raphael, provides detailed information about grief at different ages and developmental stages in children. It also provides guidance on how to assist grieving children. 

Continuing The Healing Journey 

This booklet, by Dr Vicki Trethowan, details common reactions that children and young people have during disasters and looks at the path of recovery following a disaster. 

What works for children and adolescents after disasters: An evidence review 

This evidence review brings together research findings about what helps children and young people following a disaster.

The Impact of the Bushfires – Don’t think it’s over and forgottenPsychologist, Michelle Roberts writes for DEECDs Shine Magazine.
Read pages 38-42 of Shine's Issue 15, May 2010 

Resources

Bushfires and Children
Children, Youth and Women's Health Service, South Australia
Provides a brief description of the impact that bushfires may have on children at different ages.  

APS Bushfire Response
Australian Psychological Society
Includes guidelines for those working with communities affected by the bushfires. Includes a summary of psychological first aid skills that may be used following disasters. Includes: Helping children who have been affected by bushfires. 

Professor Brett McDermott on children in bushfires
Beyond Blue
Transcript of an interview with Professor McDermott speaking about how children and adolescents may be affected by the bushfires, how their parents can assist them and where they can find additional help if needed. (You may also listen to this interview here).

Child and youth post-disaster emotional responses: the Cyclone Larry Children's Project
Professor Brett McDermott
Link to a powerpoint presentation by Professor Brett McDermott on findings from a research project looking at screening children and adolescents for emotional responses following Cyclone Larry.

The carers will need help too
Prof Beverley Raphael & Dr Penelope Burns
Australian Doctor, 19 Feb. 09
This article highlights the impact that working with individuals and communities affected by disasters has on health care professionals.

Mental health needs post disaster: Supporting recovery of children and families
Dr Elspeth Macdonald AustralianOccupational Therapy Journal, Vol 56 (2), 2009
This editorial discusses the issues important to health professionals when working with children and families following disasters.

What you should know about the emotional impact of firesThe National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), US
Information on the emotional impact of fires on children and ways that they can be supported.

What you should know about the emotional impact of floodsThe National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), US
Information on the emotional impact of floods on children and ways that they can be supported.

PTSD: Mental Health in the Wake of Disaster
Dr Claude Chemtob
This link is to a YouTube presentation of Dr Claude Chemtob, professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr Chemtob has worked extensively in the field of post traumatic stress, especially with children. In this video he discusses how traumatic events, like disasters, can cause post traumatic stress disorder, and how children can be affected differently to adults.

Helping children and adolescents cope with violence and disasters:

What rescue workers can do; What parents can do; What community members can do

National Institute of Mental Health , US

Provides information on responses to disaster and violence by children and adolescents.

National Emergency Management Strategy for Remote Indigenous Communities
Emergency Management Australia
A webpage link to Keeping Our Mob Safe: National emergency management strategy for remote Indigenous communities is a response to an identified need for a practical approach by government at the local, state/territory and national levels, and by Indigenous communities to address the community emergency management priorities of remote Indigenous communities. Importantly, the strategy also takes into account the broader community safety priorities and needs of remote Indigenous communities, as related to emergency management.

Weblinks

After the Emergency: Website
Australian Red Cross
An online suite of multimedia resources to support young people - podcasts, videos, and links to resources.

Disaster and Trauma Resource Center
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, US
This website provides free resources for families and professionals, including fact sheets, clinical resources and online video education clips.

Psychosocial Support in Disasters, Australia
A website for health care professionals working with people affected by disasters.

Children and War Foundation, Norway
Promotes research, studies and knowledge on the impact of war, inner-city violence and disaster on children. Includes excellent resource and reference lists as well as free measures for assessing children and adolescents. Also access to Teaching Recovery Techniques manual that can be used with large numbers of children following a broad range of catastrophes.