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Short article
A guide for first responders: Supporting children in the short term after a disaster or community trauma
Emerging MindsIn the months and years after a disaster or traumatic event you may continue to work to support recovery in your community. It can be helpful to have a basic understanding of how events can affect children, and what sorts of responses and behaviours can help support children’s wellbeing and reduce the chances of them having ongoing difficulties. -
Short article
How educators can support children in the short term following a disaster or community trauma
Emerging MindsThe weeks and first few months after a traumatic event can be overwhelming and filled with change. Distress will be at its highest point immediately after the event and should lessen over the following weeks and months for most people. -
Short article
How parents and caregivers can support children in the short term following a disaster or community trauma
Emerging MindsSupporting your children in the weeks and months after a disaster or traumatic event can feel daunting, this information covers some basic steps you can take to help support their recovery and protect them from having ongoing difficulties. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: October 2024
Prepared by AIFSThis October 2024 research summary provides a selection of recently released papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to infant and child mental health. Each summary includes an introductory overview of the content for the month, followed by a list of selected articles. Each article is accompanied by a brief synopsis which presents the key messages and highlights. Links to abstracts, full-text articles and related resources, where available, are provided. -
Webinar
Relationships matter: Walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents
Child Family Community Australia & Emerging MindsThis webinar with Child Family Community Australia (CFCA) explores ways that practitioners can build a deeper connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. -
Practice paper
Wellbeing for workers supporting children and families after a disaster
Emerging MindsThis resource focuses on how to look after your own wellbeing as a practitioner or worker when supporting children and families after a disaster. -
Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: September 2024
Prepared by AIFSThis September 2024 research summary provides a selection of recently released papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to infant and child mental health. Each summary includes an introductory overview of the content for the month, followed by a list of selected articles. Each article is accompanied by a brief synopsis which presents the key messages and highlights. Links to abstracts, full-text articles and related resources, where available, are provided. -
Practice paper
Play and creative expression
Emerging MindsThis resource demonstrates the importance of encouraging play and creative expression to help children unpack, explore and process difficult experiences like disaster. Creative expression is encouraged as a way for children to communicate about complex emotions and feelings, especially when they might be difficult to articulate verbally -
Practice paper
Support networks
Emerging MindsIn addition to the support of extended family, friends and the learning community, responses from governments and specialist mental health services plus digital resources are important to the successful recovery of children and families after a disaster. -
Practice paper
Routines and predictability
Emerging MindsRe-establishing routines and setting boundaries and expectations are important for restoring children's sense of stability and safety after a disaster, especially when they have to spend time away from their parents or home. -
Practice paper
Emotional regulation
Emerging MindsThis resource explains the importance of connection, emotional literacy and environment in helping children feel safe, and how regulation can be achieved through the body using sensory- and movement-based exercises, along with fun, relaxing and mindfulness activities. -
Practice paper
Child–adult relationships
Emerging MindsFollowing a disaster it's common for children to experience increased separation anxiety. This resources explores how parents can help children to develop safe relationships with other caring adults.