Crisis and Emergency
Understanding the Context
Crisis and emergency contexts indicate the circumstances that disrupt families’ and children’s lives, such as climate-related emergencies, family violence, natural disasters, and displacement. In Australian contexts, these circumstances are increasingly common (Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience [AIDR], 2023).
From a theoretical perspective, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory outlines how crises impact on children across several environmental levels, disrupting broader and family systems including services and education (AGDE, 2022).
Trauma theory explains that experiencing emergencies can led to long-term and immediate psychological results (Emerging Minds, 2022). These circumstances usually associate with vulnerabilities such as isolation and poverty (Australian Institute of Family Studies [AIFS], 2023).
Impact on Children and Families
Crisis contexts affect children’s development and wellbeing. Natural disasters may cause regression, fear, and anxiety while displacement reduces access and routines to important services (Emerging Minds, 2022; AIDR, 2023).
Family violence can result in behavioural challenges and emotional trauma, affecting emotional regulation and attachment (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2023).
Displacement may affect belonging and identity while families may experience disrupted support, unemployment, and housing loss (AGDE, 2022; AIFS, 2023).
Educators may observe withdrawal or anxiety, demeaning additional trauma-informed responses giving priority to wellbeing and safety (ACECQA, 2020; Emerging Minds, 2022).
Social Policy and Australian Responses
Australia has developed policies recognising crises, for instance, family violence strategies, recovery funding, and disaster frameworks (Australian Government, 2022).
Additional support includes mental health and financial assistance services (Services Australia, 2023). Increasing numbers of disasters emphasis, the seek for resilience and preparedness (AIDR, 2023).
Conversely, inequities persist, strengthening the role of early childhood settings to support recovery (AIFS, 2023; AGDE, 2022).
Strategies for Practice
Educators can support children by providing family communication, emotional expression, safe environments, and trauma-informed strategies (ACECQA, 2020; Emerging Minds, 2022).
Play-based learning and consistent routines plays an important role in supporting recovery and coping approaches (AGDE, 2022).
These strategies correlate with EYLF practices, fostering wellbeing, belonging, and resilience (ACECQA, 2020; AGDE, 2022).
Community and Professional Partnerships
Collaboration is foundational in managing to crisis circumstances, allowing holistic, coordinated support for children and families (ACECQA, 2020; AGDE, 2022). Key organisations include:
- Australian Red Cross: Offers psychosocial support, disaster relief, and recovery services for impacted communities (Australian Red Cross, 2023).
- State Emergency Service (SES): Provides rescue services, emergency response, and community preparedness for natural disasters (SES, 2023).
- 1800RESPECT: National setting offering confidential support and counselling for domestic and family violence (Australian Government, 2023).
- Services Australia (Centrelink): Delivers disaster recovery and financial assistance and disaster recovery payments for affected families (Services Australia, 2023).
- Local councils and community services: Deliver community wellbeing assistance, housing support, and localised recovery programs (AIDR, 2023).
Collaboration with these organisations allow early childhood settings to offer coordinated, comprehensive, support to families and children during crises (ACECQA, 2020).
Resources for Educators and Children
These resources provided below support children in coping and recognising with crisis challenges, fostering emotional wellbeing and resilience (AGDE, 2022; Emerging Minds, 2022).
Programs/ Websites
- Provides recovery resources and disaster preparedness promoting children’s resilience development and coping strategies (Australian Red Cross, 2023).
- Offers guided support for children experiencing disaster, trauma, and emotional distress (Raising Children Network, 2025). https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/disasters-preparation-support/natural-disaster-recovery-supporting-children-teenagers
- Delivers evidence-based resources in regards to children’s mental health and trauma-informed care(Emerging Minds, 2022).
- Promotes educators in supporting children’s wellbeing and mental health in early learning services (Be You, 2023).
Children’s Books
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- Encourage to rebuild confidence and overcome fear after challenging experiences (Santat, 2017; AGDE, 2022). https://youtu.be/dUKt1a6I3yw
- Promote children address and manage anxiety through relevant storytelling (Ironside, 2004; Raising Children Network, 2024). https://youtu.be/D5ibh-RzwIU?si=h41swAY56kcMjtVr
- Recognises emotional and trauma responses in children experienced to distressing circumstances (Holmes, 2000; Emerging Minds, 2022).https://youtu.be/l0Con_fBW_Q?feature=shared
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Supports emotional literacy by helping children understand and manage sadness to support emotional wellbeing (Eland, 2019; AGDE, 2022). https://youtu.be/qFhnhGb9qWA
Videos/ Media
- Illustrates educational concepts to support coping skills and emotional regulation during challenging situations (Sesame Workshop, n.d.).
- Teaches reassuring and simple information about emergencies (ABC, 2019). https://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/ideas/earlylearning/talking-to-kids-about-what-to-do-a-bush-fire-emergency/10763348
- Provides guided support of challenging situations (Sesame Workshop, n.d.). https://youtu.be/O7hvy9gHS4M?si=4syucqgFwoZBSzt5
- Supports children’s understanding of coping strategies regarding natural disasters (Sesame Workshop, n.d.). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEz1yb3WPwA