Information for families preparing for a threat of bushfire

• General information about bushfire threat across NSW including preparing a Bushfire Survival Plan Rural Fire Service NSW
• Specific information for parents relating to preparing young people for bushfire emergencies: Red Cross website: Parent and Teacher resources preparing for an emergency (Download PDF: Get Ready! Children's Activity Book, Talking with children before and emergency and Emergency RediPlan).

Information about trauma responses for families:

• Brief parent factsheet covering impact of trauma, helping children recover and where to go for additional help APS: Helping children who have been affected by bushfires
• In depth booklet for parents on how to support young people following crisis Red Cross: Helping children and young people cope
• The Emerging Minds Community Trauma Toolkit is grouped into the timeframes surrounding a natural disaster or traumatic event: preparedness; immediate; short-term recovery; and long-term recovery. The resources are tailored to a range of audiences including Parents and Caregivers.
• Children and the media:
  • Emerging minds: Disasters the Media and Children
  • Beyond Blue: talking about traumatic news events

School Counselling Service

The CatholicCare school counselling program is committed to providing ongoing support to affected students in our schools. Please follow normal school referral pathways to access this service.

Should Principals wish to discuss any additional supports, such as supports for parents and the broader school community relating to the bushfire crisis, please contact Roseanne Plunkett Executive Manager Family Services on 0409 165 50.