Schools and Disasters: Safety and Mental Health Assessment and Interventions for Children. Journal Article uri icon

Overview

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.

publication date

  • December 1, 2016

has restriction

  • closed

Date in CU Experts

  • September 25, 2017 12:59 PM

Full Author List

  • Lai BS; Esnard A-M; Lowe SR; Peek L

author count

  • 4

Other Profiles

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1535-1645

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 109

volume

  • 18

issue

  • 12