In recent years, many American
students have been exposed to
traumatic events that adversely affected their emotions, behaviors and academic performances in schools. These events could be very stressful and threatening like witnessing violence or death of a loved one, being a victim of physical or sexual assault, trap in armed conflict, encountering natural disasters, suffer sudden illness, and subject of child abuse. These
experiences have long-term consequences to students that could decrease their I.Q. and reading ability, lower their grade-point average, increased their absenteeism, disrupt their reasoning and concentration. There is no better place to help these students recover than school
programs designed to alter their negative perceptions into positive outlook. This technical report serves as a
toolkit for supporting traumatized students with lasting results. Formulated after hurricanes Katrina and Rita that hit the United States in the fall of 2005, this guide details the necessary information needed by
schools to facilitate the programs such as goals, target population, mechanics of program delivery, implementation requirements, sources of funding, personnel training, and contact information. Schools play a major role in molding young minds meeting their emotional and behavioral needs. Schools are the best venues for such programs that could rebuild the lives that once troubled by fears and anxieties.
Recovery is not overnight but may take time for some. With this toolkit however, school administrators may effectively promote the mental-health recovery of children and adolescents following their disturbing experiences. The programs in this handbook were based on the groundwork of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
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