Artwork by Evie, 10 years

ISSUE 2 6 FEBRUARY 2017

NSW/ACT Inclusion AgencyThe NSW/ACT Inclusion Agency is managed by KU Children’s Services, in partnership with Include Me and Gowrie NSW and funded by the Australian Government Department of Education

Special Bushfire eNews13 January 2020

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The NSW/ACT Inclusion Agency team are deeply saddened by the bushfire emergency which is having a profound impact across our state and territory. We have put this newsletter together to share some tips and resources to support educators at this time. This list of resources and tips is not exhaustive, and educators are encouraged to use these resources as appropriate to your specific circumstances.

Our thoughts are with all educators at this difficult time. Some educators may have been personally affected. Some services are located in a fire danger zone or impacted by hazardous air quality. Many educators have been affected indirectly by experiencing the ongoing tragic news shared over recent months. We hope the enclosed information will support educators, children and families through this challenging period.

An Inclusion Professional will be in touch with you to offer support to your service. Educators are always able to contact us with any immediate questions or needs.

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The current bushfire crisis has left many of us feeling overwhelmed and devastated. Young children are also affected, whether they have been involved directly with the recent catastrophic events, or simply witnessed the many disturbing and harrowing images via the media.

Some children may react immediately with changes in behaviour, such as becoming more ‘clingy’, having disturbed sleep patterns or become withdrawn. They may report being scared of the dark or of monsters, and some may wish to discuss the events they have witnessed again and again. For other children, the effects may not become obvious for several weeks or months after the crisis is over. Children who have experienced previous traumatic events may also respond to and recover differently to those without that history.

Young children may confuse what is ‘real’ and what is ‘pretend’. They can be exposed to small snippets of information from those around them as well what they see in the media. TV images or videos on social media in particular may lead children to feel unsure as to what is factual and what is being shown as entertainment. Viewing similar images, over and over via different media outlets can make it seem as though the bushfire threat is ongoing, leading to children feeling unsafe and anxious.

So how can educators help children cope with the current bushfire emergency and help them feel safe again?

Having open, supportive discussions with adults can help children cope, make better sense of what has happened and assist them to feel safer and build resilience.

Here are some tips:

1. Take care of yourself

Be aware of your own emotional response to the current crisis. Children pick up on the emotions ofadults around them and you will be unable to assist or support a child if you are having difficultiescoping yourself. Take some time for yourself and seek support from family, friends or professionalservices if needed.

2. Focus on where the child is at

Always begin with the child’s “starting point”. Follow their lead and use THEIR words to talk about theirexperiences. Give them time to ask questions and let them know they can talk to you or other trustedadults at any time. Avoid giving more information than they ask for and try and focus on the child, nottheir level of distress.

Psychologist Marina Bailey shares some insight and tips around supporting children through the bushfire crisis.

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3. Present the truth

Although it is an adult’s responsibility to protect a child from distress, children are very perceptive andmay have picked up various pieces of information. Use age appropriate language to inform andeducate them about the event. Depending on the age of the child, an adult may wish to avoid certaindetails if they feel that this could lead to further distress. Don’t be afraid to admit you cannot answer allof their questions.

4. Reassure and acknowledge

Remain calm and in control. Re-assure the child by verbally acknowledging and “normalising” theirfeelings and experiences. Remind them that the adults in their life are all working very hard to keep themsafe. Tell them about all the wonderful work being done by firefighters, animal rescue organisations andother personnel. Talk about ways children may be able to help so they feel they have some sense ofcontrol or purpose.

5. Allow full range of expression

Some children may wish to talk about the crisis, what they have seen or experienced. For othershowever, drawing, painting, playing or creating something together with siblings or peers may behelpful. This opportunity for self expression allows a child to communicate what is important to themand may provide clues to any deeper issues the child may be struggling with.

6. The importance of routine

After any type of traumatic experience, it is extremely important for children to return to some level ofroutine as soon as possible. This assists in giving them a sense of control and predictability and helpsthem regain a sense of ‘normalcy’.

7. Emphasise resilience

We know that young children are extremely resilient and often appear to cope better than someadults in certain situations. Focus on their strengths and help them identify what they have done in thepast when they have been frightened or worried and how well they coped. Bring their attention toother times when communities have experienced bushfires and how they have bounced back to beeven stronger.

Note: As a Psychologist and wife of a full-time firefighter, I have witnessed first-hand the different responses to bushfires and their devastating effects. Children will respond differently depending on their age and previous experiences and there is no ‘normal’ response. Therefore, adults should monitor children closely and if concerned about persistent changes in behaviour or excessive worrying, seek further professional advice.

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Supporting practitioners to support children after a natural or man-made disaster (webinar), Australian Institute of Family Studies

https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/events/supporting-children-after-natural-and-human-induced-disasters

Talking to children about bushfires tip sheet, UNICEF

https://www.unicef.org.au/blog/news-and-insights/january-2020/how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-australia-s-bushfires

Talking to children about bushfires (video), Maggie Dent

https://parenttv.com/institute/parenttv/videos/talking-to-kids-about-tragic-bushfires

Supporting children with autism through bushfires, Autism Tasmania

https://www.autismtas.org.au/autism-and-bushfire-emergencies/?fbclid=IwAR27LGidqm_AwIVHq201_HeqoOmUal6p76NloIXvNDcMmDOJkN-G5bGcdQU

Bushfires can make children scared and anxious, 5 steps to help children cope

https://theconversation.com/bushfires-can-make-kids-scared-and-anxious-here-are-5-steps-to-help-them-cope-126926

Mental Health First Aid Traumatic Events; First Guidelines for Assisting Children

https://mhfa.com.au/sites/default/files/MHFA_child_guidelines_A4_2012_1.pdf

Disaster news and distressing news events: supporting children 2-5 years

https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/connecting-communicating/communicating/disaster-news-supporting-children-2-5-years

Disaster news and distressing news events: supporting children 6-11 years

https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/play-media-technology/media/disaster-news-supporting-children-6-11-years

Information to help educators to support children

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ABC Playschool video: It’s bushfire season and Playschool are talking about your emergency plans

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2055948081374274

A social story about bushfires and evacuation (can be edited)

https://www.earlyconnections.org.au/social-story-bush-fire/?fbclid=IwAR3D2qNZejUAEOxkdz5A8-2EEff7SVP-bBEfdR4gm4I2ZdxVlqDqwPkaZhE

Natural Disaster Recovery downloadable story books (developed by QLD Government and available in multiple languages)

https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/chq/our-services/mental-health-services/qcpimh/natural-disaster-resources/storybooks

Australian Red Cross After the Emergency Kids activity booklet

https://www.redcross.org.au/getmedia/3f02c687-efff-480b-9f0b-f44f004e51a9/after-the-emergency-kids-booklet.pdf.aspx

Resources to support children

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Supporting educators

Resources to support educators and caregivers

Bushfire crisis hints and tips for educators: supporting educators, communities and children

https://thesector.com.au/2020/01/06/bushfire-crisis-hints-and-tips-supporting-children-community-and-educators/

Recovering from bushfires, information from Australian Psychological Association

https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Psychology-topics/Disasters/Bushfires/Recovering-from-bushfires/Guidelines-children-after-bushfires?fbclid=IwAR1W7Rbw0DQq2pfQddcPg1uusYbpJy8_hsECuUIxeqvZTlPdkPD6HjDJIKM

Bushfires and Mental Health. Common reactions and feelings, Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/bushfires-and-mental-health

Sources of mental health support following bushfires including contact numbers

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/mental-health-support-boosted-for-bushfire-victims-20200108-p53ppc.html

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Information for Child Care Providers from the Department of Education

The Australian Government Department of Education has issued information for services when a period of local emergency occurs.

This includes information about Child Care Subsidy (CCS), Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) and additional absences.

https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/information_for_child_care_providers_when_a_period_of_local_emergency_occurs.pdf

You can contact the NSW/ACT Inclusion Agency for support

Phone: 1800 703 382

www.inclusionagencynswact.org.au