Though adults undoubtedly suffer tremendous stress in the aftermath of natural disasters such as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, it is often the most vulnerable, the children, who are most traumatized and possess the fewest coping skills. Signs of child psychological trauma such as symptoms commonly associated with posttraumatic stress…

Children have innate brain programs for building personal strengths and social bonds, but conflict and trauma can jeopardize their growth potentials. Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) provides specific tools to turn problems into potentials. Life Space Crisis Intervention provides advanced therapeutic strategies for building strengths in…

This article presents summaries of four recent crisis management publications: (1) "Crisis Intervention for Children/Caregivers Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence," summarized by Donna DeVaughn Kreskey; (2) "Predictors of Trauma Reactions Following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks," summarized by Kelly O'Connor; (3) "Cognitive Coping Styles and PTSD…

Rich with case material and artwork samples, this volume demonstrates a range of creative approaches for facilitating children's emotional reparation and recovery from trauma. Contributors include experienced practitioners of play, art, music, movement and drama therapies, bibliotherapy, and integrative therapies, who describe step-by-step…

When students are faced with a death in the school, the school needs a plan to help students through the experience. Teachers should create a secure atmosphere in which students can share their feelings, ideas, and beliefs with classmates and teachers. Objectives of the plan involve students seeing death as a natural part of life, pursuing…

Uses case study to present grief counseling guidelines for members of the school, community, and concerned parents affected by death. Argues that information lessens fear, and memorializing or commemorating the deceased helps children understand death and creates a foundation for the grief process. Lists age-oriented concepts of death,…

Seventeen children and youth in a treatment program in Belgium were interviewed about their experiences in conflict. They shared their theories of behaviour and perceptions of Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) being employed by staff in their setting.

This fact sheet, newly revised and updated since the attacks of September 11th, aims to share what is known about the impact of violence and disasters on children and to suggest steps to minimize long-term emotional harm. Trauma is defined to include emotional as well as physical experiences and injuries. It is noted that even secondhand exposure…

Analysis of questionnaires completed by mothers (N=60) of mentally retarded children indicated that characteristics of the child and the family's crisis-meeting resources were significant predictors of various forms of stress. (Author/DB)

Illustrates with a case study example the importance of teachers helping young children deal with a death. Presents specific dialogs for dealing with the victim of the tragedy, the classmates, and the employees of the classroom. Focuses on teacher roles and contributions in the understanding and coping processes. (SD)

This paper describes a developmental guidance program on the topic of children and crises from kindergarten through grade eight. Many crises that children may deal with are discussed, including accidents, illness, death of a loved one, family problems, and moving. A crisis education response program developed and initiated to facilitate an…

Crisis intervention has typically been conceptualized as seeking a return of clients to a state of equilibrium. Personal work experience with Hurricane Andrew survivors has led to an appreciation of the importance of several considerations. Develops a proactive approach, attempting to recognize and extend clients' preexisting strengths. Offers…

The purpose of this fact sheet is to share what is known about the impact of violence and disasters on children and to suggest steps to minimize long-term emotional harm. Trauma is defined to include emotional as well as physical experiences and injuries. It is noted that even secondhand exposure to violence can be traumatic and, therefore, all…

Generally, when a student or a staff member coped with the psychological aftermath of a tragedy, they did so without the involvement-or responsibility-of school personnel. But educators have come to recognize that schools play a critical role in any crisis response and care system serving children and youth. This is true whether teachers are…

This paper and accompanying workshop address the changing and expanding role of school psychologists resulting from disasters and increasing violence in schools and communities. The objectives of this workshop were: to encourage school psychologists to expand their roles to include crisis intervention as an essential part of their service…