How Can I Help Children in Crisis?

Children in crisis need immediate relief from whatever desperate situation they may be facing. People may say that children are resilient, but that does not mean they are indestructible. A child who is in crisis is experiencing a form of trauma.

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network,

“Traumatic experiences can initiate strong emotions and physical reactions that can persist long after the event. Children may feel terror, helplessness, or fear, as well as physiological reactions such as heart pounding, vomiting, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Children who experience an inability to protect themselves or who lacked protection from others to avoid the consequences of the traumatic experience may also feel overwhelmed by the intensity of physical and emotional responses.”[1]

Kids who face crises like hunger, child labor and poverty are experiencing a kind of trauma, even if they can’t name it as such. The NCTSN says unaddressed trauma can cause children to have neurological development delays as well as physical and mental health issues.[2] That’s why it’s important to help children facing these situations as quickly as possible.


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