Support for Children

A series of resources have been developed to assist children affected by emergencies and natural disasters, and are available to help provide practical support for parents, schools and early childhood communities.

Disasters and emergencies can place children in a state of emotional turmoil in which moods and thoughts change rapidly. It is common for children to experience physical symptoms such as sleeping difficulties, tummy upsets and loss of energy.

These are normal reactions and the way our bodies naturally respond to significant levels of stress. The immediate effects of stress should not necessarily be treated as an illness, but rather a normal part of the healing process, requiring time and the support of others.

For support resources for children relating to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires see: 2009 Victorian Bushfires - Support Resources for Children

Resources for schools and early childhood settings

• School emergency response and recovery plan following a natural disaster (PDF - 103Kb) – Information for Principals, Assistant Principals and Leading Teachers
• Suggested activities to promote healing after a natural disaster (PDF - 139Kb) – Information for Schools and Early Childhood Settings
• Helping children and adolescents after a natural disaster (PDF - 105Kb) - Information for Principals and Early Childhood Directors
• Supporting the recovery of children and adolescents following a natural disaster (PDF - 114Kb) – For Early Childhood Professionals, School Staff and Student Support Services Program Staff
• Suggestions for working with children and adolescents following a natural disaster (PDF - 102Kb) – Information for Student Support Staff
• Helping adolescents following a natural disaster (PDF - 1,012Kb) – Information Booklet
• Possible reactions of students following a natural disaster (PDF - 1.0Mb)
• Helping children following a natural disaster (PDF - 1.1Mb) – Information Booklet
• After a disaster (PDF - 230Kb) – Children’s Workbook

Resources for parents, carers and families

• Here for Each Other (PDF - 3.2Mb) - Helping Families after an Emergency
• Helping children and adolescents after a natural disaster (PDF - 54Kb) - Information for Parents and Carers
• Supporting the recovery of children and adolescents following a natural disaster (PDF - 116Kb) – For Parents and Carers
• Helping adolescents following a natural disaster (PDF - 1,012Kb) – Information Booklet
• Possible reactions of students following a natural disaster (PDF - 1.0Mb)

Earthquake and tsunami in Japan

Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Department developed some information to help support those affected.

• Helping Children and Adolescents after the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan - suggestions for parents/carers/homestay families
• Suggested Ways for Teachers to Provide Support to Japanese Students - facilitating understanding and management of feelings and emotions
• Information for International Students following a disaster in their Home Country - suggestions for international students

Further information and support services

• Parentline on 13 22 89 - a statewide telephone counselling service for parents and carers of children aged from birth to eighteen years
• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 - a free, confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25
• Kids Life
• Lifeline on 131 114 - a 24 hour telephone counselling service that provides care in times of crisis
• Behaviour and Wellbeing
• Early Childhood Australia
• Parent Link
• Raising Children Network
• Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network
• Skylight - a New Zealand organisation that provides specialised support to children, young people and their families through change, loss, trauma and grief - whatever the cause.