Understanding the Impact of Disasters on the Lives of Children and Youth

The purpose of this fact sheet is to offer parents and others who work with children and youth an under- standing of the impact of a natural disaster, such as a drought, on the lives of young people. As discussed in the Supporting Families Following a Disaster introductory fact sheet, disasters can be immediate, as with a tornado, or long-term as with the effects of a drought. Disasters can also be natural weather-related disasters or human-made disasters such as airplane crash- es, or the collapse of bridges or building. This fact sheet offers both parents and others information that can be used to first understand the effect of stress on the lives of young people and then to provide ways to support them during difficult times.

Read the entire series on promoting health and well-being of families during difficult times.

• Supporting Families Following a Disaster
• Promoting a Family's Physical and Mental Health and Well-Being
• Understanding the Impact of Disasters on the Lives of Children and Youth
• Supporting Children and Youth Following a Disaster
• Stress Management After a Disaster
• Encouraging Family Communication After a Disaster
• Managing Conflict Following a Disaster
• Understanding Depression Following a Disaster
• Family Financial Management: Planning for the Future
• Family Financial Management: Interventions Following a Disaster