Discover more resources
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Video
Children in the long term after a disaster or traumatic event
Emerging MindsThis video discusses some of the ways disaster can affect children’s long-term development and behaviours. -
Short article
How educators can support children in the longer term following a disaster or community trauma
Emerging MindsChildren require support in the months (and sometimes even years) after a disaster or traumatic event. While most children recover over time, some continue to experience ongoing difficulties. -
Short article
A general practitioner’s guide to supporting children’s mental health in the long term following a disaster or traumatic event
Emerging MindsFamily doctors are well placed to monitor children’s social and emotional wellbeing and mental health. Following a disaster or traumatic event general practitioners become even more critical in providing regular checks, support and advice to both children and their parents. -
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.