When disasters strike, whether hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, or acts of violence, our immediate focus is often on infrastructure, rescue operations, and restoring essential services.
But there is another group whose needs are often less visible.
Children.
Disasters can be frightening and confusing for children. They may lose their sense of safety, experience disruptions to their routines, become separated from loved ones, or struggle to understand what is happening around them. Even after physical danger has passed, the emotional and psychological effects can last long after the news cameras leave.
That is why organizations like Child Life Disaster Relief (CLDR) play such an important role.
Child Life Disaster Relief exists to ensure that children are intentionally included in disaster response and recovery. Their work focuses on helping children and families navigate crisis through developmentally appropriate support, education, coping strategies, and emotional care. They also provide resources for caregivers and professionals and can deploy trained Child Life Responders to communities affected by disasters.
As emergency responders, healthcare professionals, emergency managers, and community leaders, we often focus on logistics, operations, and lifesaving interventions. Those priorities are essential, but recovery is about more than rebuilding structures. It is also about helping people heal.
For children, healing may look different.
It may mean having someone explain what is happening in language they can understand.
It may mean playing after experiencing trauma.
It may mean finding a small moment of normalcy in the middle of chaos.
These interventions are not “extras.” They are evidence-informed approaches that help reduce distress, support healthy coping, and promote resilience after traumatic events.
As we continue to strengthen disaster preparedness and response, we must remember that children are not simply smaller adults. Their physical, emotional, developmental, and psychological needs require thoughtful planning before, during, and after disasters.
Communities are strongest when every member is considered, and that includes our youngest survivors.
If you’re looking for resources for children, families, caregivers, or professionals, or if your community has been affected by a disaster and could benefit from child-focused support, I encourage you to learn more about Child Life Disaster Relief and the incredible work they do.
Because every disaster response should include children, not as an afterthought, but as a priority.
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