Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support for Children in Crisis and Emergency Situations
- Protect Children
- 22 hours ago
- 1 min read
RESOURCE
This manual for professionals aims to promote positive mental health and psycho-social well-being and to prevent and address psycho-social distress and mental disorders experienced by children in the context of crisis and emergency situations. It increases understanding of mental health and psycho-social support needs of children and strengthens capacity to provide mental health and psycho-social support.
The manual is prepared by Sarah Uppard, Child Protection Practitioner, and based on initial drafts of the Manual and Training for Trainers developed by Nina Vaaranen-Valkonen, Nataliia Zavarova, and Katariina Leivo.
The target audience of the manual is professionals working with children affected by crisis and emergency situations, providing them with 5 focused themes alongside with practical exercises:
The impact of crisis and emergency situations on children’s mental health and well-being
Brain development and the impact of distressing and traumatic experiences
Mental health and psycho-social support (MHPSS) for children – overview and good practice
MHPSS for children in crisis and emergency situations -focused and specialised support and services
Supervision and self-care
Commissioned by the Council of Europe’s Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine (CGU), the Manual updates and expands earlier guidance, offering a master version that can be translated and adapted to different national contexts. Special attention is given to the urgent needs of children affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
