Schools and Disasters: Safety and Mental Health Assessment and Interventions for Children

Abstract

This article draws on experiences and lessons from global disasters and utilizes the United Nations Comprehensive School Safety Framework to highlight the necessary role of safe schools in protecting children, as well as adult staff, from the immediate threats and long-term implications of disasters. Specifically, we focus on three well-established pillars of school safety: Pillar I: Safe Learning Facilities; Pillar II: Disaster Management; and Pillar III: Risk Reduction and Resilience Education. In addition, we propose a potential fourth pillar, which underscores the function of schools in postdisaster mental health assessment and intervention for children. We argue that schools offer a central location and trusted institutional space for mental health assessment and intervention after disasters. We also examine the important linkages between schools, child mental health, and household and family recovery. We conclude with recommendations for filling gaps in research and practice related to ensuring the safety of schools and the associated health and well-being of children in the face of future disasters.

Addressing the Needs of Children With Disabilities Experiencing Disaster or Terrorism

“…Schools and school personnel can be instrumental in supporting family interventions [60] and evidenced-based interventions often take place in schools post-disaster [72]. One study found mothers' participation in ongoing therapeutic grief support led to opportunities for increased therapeutic and school support for children with learning disabilities [52•].…”

Factors Associated with Food Insecurity Following Hurricane Harvey in Texas

“…At the social group level, friend, neighbor, or co-worker relationships may be impacted through the sharing of support and resources and changes in social networks may occur due to displacement [25][26][27]. Finally, at the community level, disruption to normal community functioning from disaster-damaged infrastructure is common such as temporary school closures and reduction in the availability of critical lifelines such as water or electricity services [28,29]. Impacts at each of these levels may also impact food security.…”

Assessment Tools for the Mental Health of School-Aged Children and Adolescents Exposed to Disaster: A Systematic Review (1988-2015)

“…Nevertheless, our study discusses mental health assessment tools for potential application following disasters and suggests recommendations for clinical settings. 22)…”