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Disaster Preparedness & Response

The process of developing and implementing emergency response plans for States, Tribes, and child welfare agencies is complex. In this section, find resources to assist in creating disaster preparedness plans and responding to emergencies quickly and effectively to protect children and families and help them recover. 

  • Planning
  • Responding
  • Recovering

Children & Disasters: Disaster Preparedness to Meet Children’s Needs
American Academy of Pediatrics
Provides information and tools to equip families to respond to natural and man-made disasters.

Coping With Disasters and Strengthening Systems 
Capacity Building Center for States (2021)
Presents a framework to help child welfare professionals assess and improve their disaster plans, think through their disaster response, and plan for disaster recovery. This document is accompanied by a user’s guide.

Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2020) 
Provides a catalog of materials to help professionals and the general public prepare for disasters, respond to disasters, and recover in the aftermath.

Disasters
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Provides information and resources to help families in cases of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, epidemics, fires, floods, hurricanes, and more. The webpage also offers resources to help mitigate the psychological effects these events may have.

Embedding Equity Into Disaster Preparedness Efforts in Child Welfare

Series Title
Factsheets
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Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published
2021
Presents child welfare strategies for reducing disparities for children, youth, and families of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in the wake of disasters.

How Can Child Welfare Agencies Use Safety Science Concepts During a Crisis?
Casey Family Programs (2021)
Highlights a campaign designed to increase the emotional well-being and physical safety of frontline child welfare workers.

Knowledge Management Research: Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Communication Planning (PDF - 317 KB)
Capacity Building Center for States (2020)
Assists child welfare agencies in disaster planning, management, and communication. 

A Toolkit for Child Welfare Agencies to Help Young People Heal and Thrive During and After Natural Disasters 
ChildTrends (2021)
Provides evidence- and trauma-informed guidance for professionals promoting positive outcomes for children and youth who experience natural disasters.

What Is Child Welfare? A Guide for Disaster Preparedness and Response Professionals

Series Title
Factsheets
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Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published
2021
Provides an overview of child welfare and describes how disaster preparedness and response and child welfare professionals can support one another’s efforts when responding to the safety and well-being of children and families during all phases of a disaster.

Working With Children, Youth, and Families on Disaster Preparedness

Series Title
Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published
2021
Discusses the importance of disaster planning in child welfare and how caseworkers and supervisors can prepare themselves and the families on their caseloads for emergencies. It also provides information on response and recovery strategies that child welfare professionals can use in the event of a disaster.

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COVID-19 and Child Welfare

ACF and Children's Bureau Guidance

COVID-19 Resources

HHS Division Updates on COVID-19

Housing Support When Universities, Colleges Close Due to COVID-19

Stay Safe and Be Informed About COVID-19

Guidance in Addressing COVID-19

Additional Resources

National COVID-19 Resources
Child Welfare Information Gateway

Chapin Hall Builds National Understanding of Pandemic's Impact on Families 
Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago

COVID-19
Casey Family Programs (2020)

COVID-19: Child Welfare Resources 
National Conference of State Legislatures (2021) 

National Federal Eviction Moratorium 
National Low Income Housing Coalition (2021)

Related Content

Trauma-Informed Practice in Child Welfare

Caseworker Visits With Children and Youth in Out-of-Home Care

Virtual and Remote Workforce Needs

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