Disaster preparedness and response: Supporting children and infants through trauma

Children today may likely experience a growing number of climate and other disasters and emergencies. Mental health practitioners have a critical role to play in supporting infants, children and their families through trauma, leveraging their diverse strengths and identifying and responding to complex needs.

This webinar will explore effective disaster response. Providing a foundation for understanding disaster preparedness, response and recovery, the session will examine what effective support looks like in practice and how practitioners can contribute to positive outcomes for children and families.

Attendees will gain insights into working collaboratively across disciplines, understanding and respecting professional roles within broader care teams, and supporting practitioner wellbeing in challenging contexts. Drawing on current knowledge about child development, the webinar will explore factors that can influence children’s experiences of adversity, alongside practical approaches that help strengthen resilience, recovery, and overall wellbeing.

Designed for practitioners across health, mental health, and community settings, this session aims to strengthen understanding, support multidisciplinary practice, and build confidence in responding to the diverse needs of children and families affected by disasters and emergencies.