Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Resources for Parents, Families and Supporters Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting – The Aftermath


NYSPEP extends our wholehearted condolences to the families, friends, and communities who lost precious loved ones in the horrific tragedy.

Concerned parents are asking schools, day-care centers, and after school community programs about safety procedures and preparedness. Is there an emergency-management plan? What safety protocols are in place? Is there an alert-system? Are there practice drills? These are just a few questions parents are asking school officials and program administrators.

Parents may opt to shield their child/ren from news about the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Children need a sense of safety! Nonetheless, children may become exposed to information via peers at school, while visiting a friend, seeing a tabloid headline, overhearing a grown-up conversation, etc.

Senseless acts of violence can be especially difficult for adults to explain to children. How can parents and caregivers address tragedy in a helpful way? How can educators, counselors, clergy, community leaders, and other family helpers assist and support parents with this difficult task?

NYSPEP has compiled a list of resources for parents, families, and parenting and family support professionals. Many of these singular resources contain additional tools and resources.

If you know of a resource or tool that would be helpful to include, please comment below or email nyspep@preventchildabuseny.org

American Psychological Association Article: Helping Your ChildrenManage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
---
Brene Brown, Ph.D. – Ordinary Courage – Blog (a gentle presentation of multiple resources): Prayers for the Sandy Hook Elementary School Community
---
CYFERnet Toolkit (multiple resources): Hot Topic: Coping With Violence and National Tragedy
---
FEMA: Ready.Org Listen, Protect, Connect - Model & Teach workbook: Psychological First Aid for Students and Teachers 
---
The Fred Rodgers Company Webpage: Fred Rogers Talks About Tragic Events in the News
---
Huffington Post Article: Co-authored by Lloyd Sederer, MD, Medical Director of the New York State Office of Mental Health: Children's Mental Health After the Shooting in Newtown
---
Massachusetts Children’s Trust Fund: One Tough Job (multiple resources): Nurturing Your Family – Changes & Transitions:Talking About Tragic Events
---
National Child Traumatic Stress Network Toolkit (multiple resources) Terrorism: Catastrophic Mass Violence
---
National Education Association Health Information Network: School Crisis Guide: Help and Healing in a Time of Crisis 
--- 
New York Life bereavement guide: After A Loved One Dies: How Children Grieve: And How Parents and Other Adults Can Support Them 
---

Safe Start Center Toolkit (multiple resources): Children Exposed to Violence in the School
---
Safe Start Center Toolkit (multiple resources): Trauma Informed Care Tip Sheets
---
---
Sesame Street PDF Guide for Parents and Caregivers: Here For Each Other: Helping Families After An Emergency
---
Sesame Street Toolkit (multiple resources): Grief Resources and Distribution Partners
---
Sesame Street Webpage: Topics for Parents: Grief
---
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration PDF Toolkit (multiple resources): Resources for Children and Youth During or After a Disaster
---
---
US Dept. of Education - Readiness and Emergency Management System for Schools PDF tip sheet: Helpful Hints for School Emergency Management 
---

Washington Post Article: School Shooting: How Parents Can Help Their Children Cope
---

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

"A Terrible Thing Happened: A Story for Children Who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma" by Margaret M. Holmes
---
"The Boy Who Didn't Want to be Sad" by Rob Goldblatt teaches feelings such as happiness and sadness are natural experiences in life.
---
"Is a Worry Worrying You?" by Ferida Wolff addresses children’s worries with humor and imagination teaching the use of perspective and the art of creative problem solving.
---
"The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst teaches interconnectedness and love to address fear of loneliness or separation

HOW TO HELP – DONATE – VOLUNTEER

American School Counselor Association: How To Help Sandy Hook
---
Newtown Youth and Family Services (provides counseling services): Information and Donations
---
Newtown Parent Connection (grassroots organization to address substance use and abuse among young people in the community): Donations and Volunteering of Clinical/Counseling Services

No comments:

Post a Comment