Disasters

All children, young people and families in Australia are affected by the many natural disasters that occur here. In recent years there have been floods, bushfires and cyclones that have devastated communities across Australia as well as tsunamis and earthquakes occurring around the world.  

These web pages on Disasters and Mass Adversities bring together the most relevant and reliable information and resources that can be used to support young people and their families in preparing for, coping with and recovering from disasters.  

We have provided some direct links to factsheets, booklets and other resources that can be obtained from well-recognised Australian and international websites.

Resources for practitioners

Children, adolescents and familes: Grief and loss in disaster

 305.73 KB pdf

This booklet by Professor Beverley Raphael provides detailed information about grief at different ages and developmental stages in children. It also provides guidance on how to assist grieving children.

Continuing the healing journey

 205.47 KB pdf

This booklet by Dr Vicki Trethowan and Amanda Harris details common reactions that children and young people have during disasters and looks at the path of recovery following a disaster. 

The impact of the bushfires – Don’t think it’s over and forgotten

 8.33 MB pdf

Psychologist Michelle Roberts writes for DEECD's Shine Magazine. Read pages 38-42 of Shine's Issue 15, May 2010.

What works for children and adolescents after disasters: An evidence review

 147.38 KB pdf

This evidence review brings together research findings about what helps children and young people following a disaster. 

Resources for families and carers

Bushfire preparedness for your family

 348.97 KB pdf

Many people think that they won’t be affected by a bushfire. But the reality is that if you live near bush land, you need to be prepared for the possibility that a bushfire will come near your home. 

Disasters, the media and your child

 380.59 KB pdf

We know that during times of disaster children need to be protected and kept in mind. This can also mean not allowing them to have too much access to media coverage about the disaster. 

Preparing your family for the possibility of a disaster

 348.97 KB pdf

Australia is a country that is affected by many different types of natural disaster, including floods, bushfires and cyclones. Preparing yourself and your family ahead of time can really make a big difference if there is a disaster

Psychological First Aid for children and adolescents

 624.31 KB pdf

“Psychological First Aid” is a term used like physical first aid, to describe strategies to assess and protect people in an emergency which threatens their lives or well-being.

Signs of possible trauma in children and adolescents

 729.94 KB pdf

Infants, children and adolescents can have experiences which overwhelm them and possibly damage their emotional and psychological health and their general development.

Understanding and managing anniversary reactions: Tips for families affected by natural disasters

 243.22 KB pdf

Anniversaries are times of remembering, reflecting and review. When the anniversary marks something sad, distressing, terrifying or tragic it might bring about the same or similar reactions to those originally experienced. 

Other resources

APS bushfire response

Australian Psychological Society
Includes guidelines for those working with communities affected by the bushfires. Includes a summary of psychological first aid skills that may be used following disasters. Includes: Helping children who have been affected by bushfires (PDF 486KB)

Australian Journal of Emergency Management

 3.62 MB pdf

This issue is devoted to youth in emergencies and disasters.

Child and youth post-disaster emotional responses: the Cyclone Larry Children's Project

 704.33 KB pdf

Prof Brett McDermott
Link to a powerpoint presentation by Prof Brett McDermott on findings from a research project looking at screening children and adolescents for emotional responses following Cyclone Larry.

First aid for emergency situations (US-based)

"When an emergency strikes, there's no time to start researching how to respond. For your own safety and the safety of your friends and family, it's a good idea to learn about emergency protocol and first aid methods. By learning in advance, you'll ensure that you can respond quickly and appropriately if there's ever an emergency situation. From natural disasters to traffic accidents, you never know when a situation will arise that will demand quick thinking, cool nerves, and a little bit of know-how."

Please note: this resource comes from a United States perspective, and not all information may be directly translatable to those living in Australia.

Helping children and adolescents cope with violence and disasters: What rescue workers can do; What parents can do; What community members can do

National Institute of Mental Health, US
Provides information on responses to disaster and violence by children and adolescents.

Prof Brett McDermott on children in bushfires

Beyond Blue
Prof Brett McDermott speaks about how children and adolescents may be affected by the bushfires, how their parents can assist them and where they can find additional help if needed.

PTSD: Mental health in the wake of disaster

Dr Claude Chemtob
This link is to a YouTube presentation of Dr Claude Chemtob, professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr Chemtob has worked extensively in the field of post traumatic stress, especially with children. In this video he discusses how traumatic events, like disasters, can cause post traumatic stress disorder, and how children can be affected differently to adults.

Taking care of mental health after bushfires

It’s common to feel stressed in the aftermath of a disaster, and bushfire is no exception. The good news is that for most people these feelings will fade with time. Our researchers have developed a practical guide to help you manage your and other’s mental health after the impact of fire – “ASK for help”.

What you should know about the emotional impact of fires

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), US
Information on the emotional impact of fires on children and ways that they can be supported

What you should know about the emotional impact of floods

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), US
Information on the emotional impact of floods on children and ways that they can be supported

Links

After the Emergency

Australian Red Cross
An online suite of multimedia resources to support young people - podcasts, videos, and links to resources.

Children and War Foundation

Norway
Promotes research, studies and knowledge on the impact of war, inner-city violence and disaster on children. Includes excellent resource and reference lists as well as free measures for assessing children and adolescents. Also access to Teaching Recovery Techniques manual that can be used with large numbers of children following a broad range of catastrophes.

Disaster and Trauma Resource Center

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, US
This website provides free resources for families and professionals, including fact sheets, clinical resources and online video education clips.

Psychosocial Support in Disasters

Australia
A website for health care professionals working with people affected by disasters.

Updated:  28 March 2024/Responsible Officer:  Director ACATLGN/Page Contact:  Director ACATLGN