title: Understanding the needs of children following large-scale disasters and the role of government.
abstract: No one who experiences a disaster is untouched by it. Children and their families are often among the most affected. This article explains how mental health and medical professionals can assist families and communities in dealing with common disaster-related stress reactions in children. An overview of disaster research and examples of special concerns about children are given. In addition, an overview of the role of local, state, and federal governments, as well as other organizations, is provided.
authors.affiliation: Division of Program Development, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD, USA. bflynn@samhsa.gov
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Flynn
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Nelson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003376:Counseling / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011635:Public Health Administration; D012011:Red Cross / Q000458:organization & administration; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States