Families, schools, and disaster: the mental health consequences of catastrophic events.

Children have always experienced or witnessed disaster and mass casualty events in their schools and communities. However, the psychological impact of such events was not recognized until the middle of the 20th century. Children's responses to disaster and other traumatic events are based on developmental stage, the specific threat, injury and loss, and the child's coping skills as well as previous traumatic experiences. Schools and communities can serve as a sanctuary for children and their families during such devastating times. Lessons learned from the terrorist attacks of September 2001 and the gulf coast hurricanes offer strategies and approaches to assist children for families, teachers, schools, and communities. Resources for schools and communities include national organizations with evidence-based guidelines, program development, and guides for policy and communication.