Programs can use these resources with families and staff affected by a crisis or tragic event.

Emergency Preparedness

Children and youth are at heightened risk in disasters and public health emergencies. In an effort to meet the challenge of addressing the complex needs of children, youth, and families in disasters, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response (OHSEPR) and partners from across the nation developed a model. It was designed to bring together Whole Community child-and youth-serving agencies, organizations, and professionals in a single forum for shared strategic coordination to meet the needs of children and youth. The Children and Youth Task Force model has emerged as a promising practice to promote effective coordination of these diverse systems and agencies.

This health and safety screener will help organizations identify where they need to make changes and build capacity in order to ensure children are healthy and safe while in their care.

Hazard mapping is a process that Head Start programs can use after an injury occurs. It helps to: 1) identify location(s) for high risk of injury; 2) pinpoint systems and services that need to be strengthened; 3) develop a corrective action plan; and 4) incorporate safety and injury prevention into ongoing monitoring activities. Hazard mapping is employed effectively in emergency preparedness planning related to natural disasters. It also is used to isolate locations of disease outbreaks and determine where prevention efforts are most needed.