Flood children need extra help

Published today (2 July), Caring in a Crisis examines social work's role in responding to emergencies such as floods.

It argues that there is a tendency to assume children don't require the same level of support as adults.

But Patricia Kearney, director of practice development at the institute, said: "Children are affected in their own ways".

The report recommends that there should be training for children and young people on how to deal with emergencies.

It also says professionals such as teachers, educational psychologists and youth workers should be involved in planning how to respond to the specific needs of children in the event of a disaster. It adds that directors of children's services should pass on emergency planning arrangements to service managers.

- www.cypnow.co.uk/doc.