From the desk of Rand Simmons

December 2015

Because of recent events in the media there is national concern over active shooting and keeping family and friends safe. Here is one list of resources, many of which focus on children.*

Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990. The helpline is also available in Spanish, by text and by TTY. http://www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/

Talking to Children about the Shooting http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/talking_to_children_about_the_shooting.pdf

How to talk to your child about the news. http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/news.html

Tips for Parents on explaining media coverage to children http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/tips_for_parents_media_final.pdf

Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: Tips for Parents and Professionals http://www.cstsonline.org/resources/resource-master-list/restoring-a-sense-of-safety-in-the-aftermath-of-a-mass-shooting-tips-for-parents-and-professionals

Psychological First Aid for Schools Field Operations Guide http://www.nctsn.org/content/psychological-first-aid-schoolspfa

Coping with Crisis – Helping Children with Special Needs http://ubhc.rutgers.edu/tlc/guidelines/educators/CopingwithCrisisHelpingChildrenSpecialNeeds.html

Facing Fear: Helping Young People Deal with Terrorism and Tragic Events – for ages 5 to 7.
http://www.redcross.ca/crc/documents/3-7-2_Tools-for-Teachers_Facing-Fear-Module-1-(ages-5-7).pdf

Activity Book for African American Families: Helping Children Cope with Crisis https://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/cope_with_crisis_book/Pages/index.aspx

After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal – checklist http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/helping_young_children_heal_crisis.pdf

Parent Tips for Helping Preschool-Age Children after Disasters http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/appendix_tips_for_parents_with_preschool_children.pdf

Coping with Disasters, National Library of Medicine
English:   http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/copingwithdisasters.html
Spanish: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/copingwithdisasters.html

Original list compiled by Andrew R. Roszak, JD, MPA, Senior Director, Emergency Preparedness, Child Care Aware® of America as posted to the ARSL Membership, December 10, 2015, posted by Susan Hanks, California State Library

*These resources are not vetted or endorsed by the Washington State Library / Office of the Secretary of State.