Special Safety Update
The events at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, are certainly not far from the hearts and minds of the parents or leaders of the children in your programs. Without making their tragedy ours, we acknowledge the gravity of the loss experienced by the Newtown community and the impact this news has on us as parents and people who work for and with children.
Please take this time to review the emergency procedures your organization has in place. While safety cannot be guaranteed completely, having a prepared staff and practiced procedures can reduce the negative impact of an emergency situation. As a reminder, a template for emergency procedures can be found
here, as well as the DASN Safety Checklist, and other safety resources. Thank you for all you do for the children in our community!
Helping Children Cope
Before staff work with children today, communication procedures should be reviewed. It is recommended that staff members working with young children (PK-4th) not initiate conversations about the incident. Sticking to a routine with caring adults is the best way to reassure children. Do watch for signs of distress or worry, and be sure your team is extra generous with their presence and smiles.
More specific information about helping children cope with this type of tragedy can be found on these links:
Mental Health Resources
Julie Hill, Director of New Business Development with LifeNet, spoke to Dallas AfterSchool Network recently. She compiled a list of common symptoms for child and adolescent populations to assist with determining if there is a need for a psychiatric evaluation:
- Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
- Inability to cope with daily problems and activities
- Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
- Excessive complaints of physical ailments
- Defying authority, skipping school, stealing, or damaging property
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Long-lasting negative moods, often accompanied by poor appetite and thoughts of death
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Changes in school performances, such as poor grades despite good efforts
- Loss of interest in friends and activities they usually enjoy
- Significant increase in time spent alone
- Excessive worrying or anxiety
- Hyperactivity
- Persistent disobedience or aggressive behavior
Julie is always available to answer questions. Contact
her or visit their
website.
Mark your calendar for February 7, 2013 for
this symposium by Mental Health America of Greater Dallas.
Find a list of other Mental Health Agencies
here.
