October 2, 2017

 

Today our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the senseless violence that took place overnight in Las Vegas. We wish to extend our most sincere condolences to all those affected, including the injured, the families and communities of the victims, and all the first responders who so heroically put themselves in harms way to save others.

Tragedies like these have a tremendous impact on each of our lives. They can have an even greater impact on our children. Even if children don't voice their fears, they are affected by the world around them. As teachers, counselors and other professionals working with families, we can help guide parents as they attempt to talk to and comfort their children. Below are several resources that we hope will help you in your work with the parents and families in your community in the days and weeks to come.


Listen, Protect, Connect - Model & Teach: Psychological First AID (PFA) for Students and Teachers, a pamphlet/handout produced by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security and the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement
 
Psychological First Aid (PFA) For Students And Teachers: Listen, Protect, Connect-Model & Teach , an in-depth newsletter discussing the "Listen, Protect Connect" evidence-informed model for providing psychological first aid, produced by the U.S. Department of Education-Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center


How to talk to children about difficult news, published by the American Psychological Association

How to Help Kids Feel Safe After Tragedy, published by PBS Parents

Explaining the News to Our Kids, published by Common Sense Media


Warm regards,

Vito Borrello
Executive Director
National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement