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.

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. 

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