On January 7, Puerto Rico was struck by its strongest earthquake since 1918 and has since experienced over 1,000 aftershocks. It has been just over two years since Hurricane Maria devastated the island and Puerto Ricans are struggling with the effects of another natural disaster. It’s yet another crisis that reminds us of the growing […]
Child Life Disaster Relief is headed to Puerto Rico Read More »
We are continuing to pursue a potential deployment opportunity in Puerto Rico for CCLSs to work directly with children affected by the recent earthquake. Please indicate your interest and potential availability HERE. There is possibility of sending individuals who do not speak Spanish since most of the people are bilingual in the environments we are
UPDATE and REQUEST FOR CCLS RESPONDERS for POTENTIAL DEPLOYMENT – PUERTO RICO Read More »
Calling all Certified Child Life Specialists- we are working on logistics for a potential deployment to Puerto Rico. CCLSs are needed to work with the kids directly impacted by earthquakes on the island. Spanish speaking may likely be a necessity for this deployment, although we are still determining the specific needs. We will be giving
Deployment Availability Needed – Puerto Rico Read More »
In 2019, the Bahamas Ministry of Health and a US Coalition of Physicians initiated a request for psychosocial care for children affected by Hurricane Dorian. CLDR responded by deploying twelve CCLS who made over 1,000 therapeutic contacts with children over a four week period.
The Bahamas Deployment by video Read More »
Bahamas – Team 4 Ashley Zani (lead), Erin Myers, Gail Klayman Deployment Dates: October 21-27th We spent most of our time working with children at the Kendal Isaacs Gym this week. Each day we worked with approximately 25-45 children on socialization through group activities and play, serving about 280 children total throughout the week. Aggression
Bahamas – Team 2 Christen Bradbury (lead), Hallie Chancellor, Cassidy Taylor Dates of Deployment: October 7-12, 2019 Served ~230 children Day 1: October 7th Today we observed a lot of aggression surrounding objects, attention, and space. When working with small groups, we were able to help some of the children work on creative expression, telling
Bahamas – Team 1 Cara Smith (lead), Eileen Esposito, and Hayley Wells Dates of Deployment: September 27 – October 6, 2019 Over 240 child-interactions Saturday, September 28 The team provided therapeutic play and psychosocial support at the shelter at Kendall Isaacs Gym. Many of the children were very eager and willing to share their stories
The last month has been a wild and amazing ride for Child Life Disaster Relief. The Bahamas Ministry of Health and US Coalition of Physicians requested Certified Child Life Specialists deploy to the Bahamas to provide support following Hurricane Dorian, and several volunteers answered the call. These deployments would not have been possible without the
Thank you Child Life Specialists for deploying to the Bahamas! Read More »
One of the most important factors in promoting resilience and positive outcomes post-disaster for children is the services and support they receive within those first few hours after a traumatic event. Unfortunately, this is also one of the largest gaps in disaster services for children; there are currently no nationally coordinated services directly focused on
CLDR Local Initiative Piloting in 7 Cities Read More »
In just one week, a team of three Certified Child Life Specialists have been able to serve approximately 175 children, each demonstrating the effects of Hurricane Dorian but also the therapeutic power of play in healing! The team reports encountering lots of hyperactivity and aggression and having numerous breakthroughs as the children process the array
Veterans United Foundation Donates to Hurricane Dorian Response in the Bahamas Read More »