{"id":224345,"date":"2019-05-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-20T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.relationships.org.au\/rebuilding-from-the-inside-out-supporting-children-through-a-community-trauma-event\/"},"modified":"2021-11-16T14:26:18","modified_gmt":"2021-11-16T04:26:18","slug":"rebuilding-from-the-inside-out-supporting-children-through-a-community-trauma-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.relationships.org.au\/rebuilding-from-the-inside-out-supporting-children-through-a-community-trauma-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Rebuilding from the inside out: Supporting children through a community trauma event"},"content":{"rendered":"

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by\u00a0Nicola Palfrey
22 May 2019<\/i><\/p>\n

Community trauma events<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

A community trauma event is defined as an event that has a significant impact on a community\u2019s way of life, their sense of safety and their functioning. Far from impacting only those who have directly experienced loss or harm, the effects of an event such as a bushfire or flood can be felt by the whole community in the weeks, months and years that follow.<\/p>\n

Not just a mini-me approach<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

We know that children are particularly affected by these experiences and we know that most children recover well over time, particularly when the right supports are in place.<\/p>\n

These supports are not just \u2018mini-me\u2019 versions of adult based supports. Children need distinct, tailored supports that address the unique needs of child mental health.<\/p>\n

A small but significant percentage of children (between 5-20%) will need additional support such as counselling after experiencing a community trauma event. Direct exposure or loss during the event and previous experience of adversities or trauma are some of the factors that can contribute to the need for a higher level of intensive support.<\/p>\n

It takes a village.<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

The most protective thing for a child in their recovery is their relationships with those around them. We know that children are reliant on the adults in their life for survival, both in practical and emotional terms. They look not only to their parents and family members but to teachers, neighbours, coaches and community leaders for cues about how to respond and to know whether or not their world is safe.<\/p>\n

In the aftermath of a community trauma event adults can be understandably preoccupied with the practical tasks of recovery.<\/p>\n

Children need the opportunity to return to the safety and security of routines and structures as soon as possible after a trauma.\u00a0 But the necessary focus on rebuilding physically and financially can mean that children\u2019s emotional needs take a back seat.<\/p>\n

Evidence shows that it\u2019s crucial for children\u2019s recovery that they\u2019re listened to, reassured and supported \u2013 not just directly following the event but into the future, particularly at times that might be reminders or triggers for traumatic responses.<\/p>\n

Children need to feel able to share if they are upset, scared or overwhelmed and they need to know that it\u2019s ok to take time to recover.<\/p>\n

Supporting adults to support children<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

Children are very sensitive to changes in their parent\u2019s mood and behaviours and are often reluctant to share their own concerns if they think they will further upset the adults that they rely on. This can mean children are left to manage their fears and feelings on their own.<\/p>\n

Without positive, open interaction with trusted adults, children can come to their own, often inaccurate conclusions.<\/p>\n

These can include:<\/p>\n