News Update

October 14, 2008 — Westport, Conn.— Save the Children deployed two emergency response teams during June 2008 to the hardest-hit areas of Indiana and Iowa to assist children and families affected by the severe flooding in the region.

The teams also assessed the status of child care centers in the disaster area, partnering with child care networks in Iowa and Indiana to monitor damage both to the area's child care centers, and to large, regulated child care homes. Read the latest press release.

What's a REDI Team'?

Save the Children's Domestic Emergencies Unit deployed two U.S.-based REDI Teams to provide essential programs to several communities in need during and after the floods. REDI stands for Rapid Emergency Disaster Initiative.

The teams provided materials to run Safe Spaces programs in shelters serving over 1300 children, working through a national partnership with the American Red Cross.

The Safe Spaces programs are a particular type of emergency response program in the U.S. and around the world designed to provide a safe environment in which children can play, socialize, learn and express themselves in times of disaster. Watch a video about Safe Spaces.

After the flood waters receded, the Domestic Emergency Unit began the work of leveraging local partnerships to support the needs of children and families in recovery. One partner, the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, helped to begin the process of assessing damage to child care facilities. The Domestic Emergency Unit of US Programs is dedicated to using its resources, partnerships and experience to support lasting recovery beyond the restrictions of federal disaster relief.

Disaster Relief Funds for "Critical Services"

When a major disaster strikes in the United States, the President issues a Presidential Disaster Declaration releasing federal disaster relief funds for the "critical services" necessary to restore local communities. Surprisingly, one community service that is not considered eligible for federal relief funds is child care. This despite the fact that extensive research has documented the importance of providing child care services, which are essential to the economic health and vitality of a community.

Save the Children has played an increasing role in bringing US partners and stakeholders together to support, advise and advocate for strong child care networks and infrastructure in the wake of disasters. In disaster situations, when the economic life of local communities virtually grinds to a halt, workers with young children cannot resume their jobs unless there is safe, secure child care for their children. This is when the business community comes to realize that child care is a critical service for workers.

Safe, Secure Child Care

Without the timely reintroduction of child care services, communities struggling to recover in the aftermath of a major disaster face a roadblock: jump-starting local economies requires a reliable workforce and workers need safe, secure child care before they can get back to work. Save the Children remains uniquely focused on the recovery needs of children and families because 75 years of experience have proven that rebuilding lives and local economies requires safe, secure child care.  

Learn more about Safe Spaces.

Last Updated October 2008