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)

AACAP’s Nominating Committee is presently soliciting nominations for two Councilor-at-Large positions. The deadline for nominations is February 1, 2020. If you wish to recommend someone or yourself for this position, please send the following to executive@aacap.org:

• A letter of interest from the candidate
• Current CV
• Disclosure of Affiliations Statement

Please note that you must be an AACAP voting member to nominate an individual.

Read the job descriptions on AACAP’s website, and reach out to executive@aacap.org for questions.

Check out AACAP’s expanded Depression Resource Center, that includes the newly revised Depression: Parents’ Medication Guide. 

Plus, with your member access to Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, you can read the issue on Depression in Special Populations.  Please Sign In above for member access and read the articles here.