FAMILY CRISIS NOTES

Accidents/Illness of Family Members Honest explanation of what is happening geared to their ability to understand If the person is sick and will recover the child should be reassured the person should soon be well again If the illness is serious adults should tell children the truth in a calm, reassuring way. Reassure that nothing they did caused the accidents/illness Children sometimes overhear the wrong things about accidents/illness

Divorce 10% of all children currently live with a divorced parent Keep things as normal as possible Parents should not discuss problems of divorce with children Give children honest answers Explain the custody plan to children who are old enough Develop new traditions Never give the child false hope of parents reuniting Help the children stay in touch with friends Watch for changes in the child’s behavior Work with the school to help your child adjust

Death Basic part of life Allow children to talk and grieve Explain at the child’s level what has happened Explain well enough that they do not expect person to return Children need to know that they did not cause the death Maintain the child’s routine

Domestic violence Be a support person for the child Seek help from family and local domestic violence agencies Seek counseling Work with the school for the child’s safety

Job Loss/Financial Difficulties Make a special effort not to argue about money in front of children It is important not to hide financial problems from older children Parents need to be clear about possible consequences of the problems and the need to cut back on spending

Relocation/Family Move Point out the positive reasons for moving Be honest about the move, mention bad as well as the good Explain each step that will happen as they move If possible, take children to see where they are moving Let children help with packing Plan to spend more time with children before and after the move

Substance Abuse-Drugs and Alcohol Parents can draw from support groups with people in the same situation Talk to school counselor, trusted teacher, or religious leader

World Events- Natural Disasters, Terrorism Seek safe shelter Keep children safe Talk to them and let them know what is happening Seek counseling Reassure children

Types of Assistance Agencies that Help Families in Crisis Aid to Families with Dependent Children-AFDC—Federal Program that helps families with little or no income. Also known as Welfare American Red Cross—Helps people when a natural disaster occurs, such as a flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, etc. Can supply temporary food and shelter

Employment Security Commission—State agency that helps people find jobs that match their skills. Health Department—Government agency that provides health care for low and no income families as well as educational programs. March of Dimes—Non-profit agency that researches and tries to help fight birth defects a well as providing funds for persons with disabilities that need assistance.

Narcotics Anonymous—Non-profit group that lends support to persons addicted to drugs and their families Alcoholics Anonymous—Non-profit group that lends support to persons addicted to alcohol. Parents Anonymous--Non-profit group that lends support to parents who are at risk for abusing their children. Social Services—Governmental agency that helps people with low income in getting health care, food stamps, and help for family members with disabilities.

Grief Share—Grief Recovery Support group to help anyone with the loss of a family member. Local churches with this Support Group are listed on their website. S.C.A.N.-Stop Child Abuse Now—Helps parents who are at risk of abusing their children