Providing Psychosocial Support to Children and Families in the Aftermath of Disasters and Crises

Disasters take a unique toll on children, with the potential to have short- and long-term impact on their physical and emotional health and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical report, “Providing Psychosocial Support to Children and Families in the Aftermath of Disasters and Crises”, stresses the importance of ensuring basic support services, psychological first aid, and professional self-care while working with patients and families in the wake of disaster. Stress is intrinsic to many major life events that children and families face, including the experience of significant illness and its treatment. The information provided in this clinical report may, therefore, be relevant for a broad range of patient encounters, even outside the context of a disaster.

For more information, visit the AAP Promoting Adjustment and Helping Children Cope After Disaster and Crisis Web page at www.aap.org/disasters/adjustment. See the clinical report here: http://pediatrics.aappublicati...09/08/peds.2015-2861.