Like individuals, communities can experience trauma in the aftermath of natural or human-induced disaster. In Australia, the frequency and experience of traumatic events for communities are impacted by climate change, family and community violence and rural disadvantage.
When a community mobilises to recover from the effects of trauma, it is important not to overlook the specific needs of children. Children depend on the adults around them for safety and security. In the event of a disaster, they will need reassurance, care and opportunities to share their stories. This webinar will provide a starting point for practitioners to help children and families navigate the different stages of a disaster.
This webinar will describe the specific interventions that cater for the developmental needs of children recovering from community trauma. It will present findings from research on what helps children to recover, and provide case studies from the field.
This webinar will support practitioners to:
- prepare children and their families practically and psychologically for a disaster
- interact with children during an event in a way that may enhance their resilience and recovery
- support children and their families immediately after an event as they re-establish a sense of safety
- support children and their families in the ongoing recovery process
- understand the importance of self-care during and after a traumatic event
- identify emotional and behavioural difficulties in children that may indicate that ongoing, specialised support is required.
