January 2020

As an association dedicated to protecting the health of children and families everywhere, we are deeply saddened by events in Puerto Rico, New South Wales, and the Philippines. Natural disasters can have devastating effects on the mental health of the communities they uproot. Below are resources for talking to children about disasters, as well as resources for clinicians, volunteers, and organizations. These resources are a starting point in addressing the trauma that affects victims of disasters and are not intended to serve as a substitute for psychiatric treatment or counseling.

• AACAP’s Disaster Resource Center
• AACAP’s Disaster Liaison Network Resource Library
• Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators
• NCTSN: Secondary Traumatic Stress: A Fact Sheet for Child-Serving Professionals
• SAMHSA Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Traumatic Event: What to Expect in your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life

Other Organizations:

• National Mental Health Commission
• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
• Australian Counseling Association (ACA)
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• American Psychiatric Association (APA)
• Australian Red Cross
• American Red Cross
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)