1. FAMILY CRISIS NOTES

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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