Tips on How to Support Children Following Crisis

As details of the horrific school massacre in Newtown continue to unfold and are made public, parents should know there are services and assistance from local, state and national agencies to help cope with the enormity of shootings that left 20 children, 6 adults and the gunman dead. 

Kids in Crisis, the Greenwich-based 24-hour emergency shelter and counseling service that's the only 24-hour, 7-day agency in the state is offering its services to local and state residents.

Shari Shapiro, the center's exeuctive director, in a statement said, "Kids in Crisis is here to help the community in any way needed, including providing emotional and therapeutic support for parents, students, and school staff, and serving as a resource for the community.

"Kids in Crisis has assembled its Crisis Response Team and will have Crisis Counselors and Clinicians available to anyone in the community throughout the weekend and into next week. 

"Our 24 hour Crisis Hotline (203-327-KIDS) is a resource to anyone that needs support, including students, teachers, parents, and community providers.

"We are available to meet individually with staff and students within schools, or act as a support to each school’s crisis team as needed. 

State help

This information was provided by 2-1-1, Connecticut's statewide information and referral and crisis line, "wants you to know that we are available 24 hours a day to connect families with the resources they need in the wake of this tragedy. If you or your child need assistance, dial 2-1-1, to reach call specialists trained in handling crisis situations.

Resources Available

EMPS - 2-1-1 is the access point for Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services, a mobile crisis line for children and youth. Dial 2-1-1 and press 1 to reach a crisis call specialist who can connect you directly to a mental health clinician in your area.

www.211ct.org - visit our website to find local trauma resources. Enter your zip code or town and search (under Search by Service Keyword) for one of the following terms: Child Guidance, Therapy Referrals, Bereavement Counseling, General Bereavement Support Groups or Crime Victim/Witness Counseling.

Click on the links below for other resources to help children cope with traumatic events.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Tips for Talking with and Helping Children Cope After a Disaster  
• SAMHSA's Disaster Distress Helpline offers a counseling option available by text:
  Text "TalkWithUs" to 66746. Spanish speakers can text "Hablanos" to 66746.
• National Association of School Psychologists
• American Red Cross, Recovering Emotionally

The Greenwich Public School system has shared with staff and parents websites for helpful information:

http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/Tips-Supporting-Children-Youth.aspx

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/crisis/counsel.htm

If you've found other websites helpful, please let us know in the comment section.

And from the National PTA: resources to assist students, families, schools and PTAs in coping with school violence. The resources are downloadable at PTA.org/SchoolViolence.