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.

Reading

Reading takes on a new meaning for some inmates as they try to keep in touch with their children. Many of the inmates will try to read the same books that their children are reading at home. Currently one father is reading the Monster Manor series by Paul Martin, trying to stay one book ahead of his daughter. Not only does it give him something to talk about with his daughter, but the experience is even more valuable. By showing an interest in something his daughter enjoys and being able to discuss it with her, shows a great amount of respect for her. This will help him build a lasting relationship even while incarcerated. Reading is a joy, but sometimes reading for others provides so much more.

The following is a comment made by an inmate at the Washington Corrections Center for Women:

“I am 40 years old and I have read more in the 2 months I have been here @ WCCW than I have my entire life I tell my Daughter the Books I check out and she goes and checks out the same book and we read the Book together and talk about it. the Library not only helps me but it is Helping my Daughter with her reading ability this is something we plan to continue even after my release Thank you you are all a wonderful treasure. My Daughter is only 12 but is now reading at Adult level.”