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Save the Children Calls for Greater Attention to Needs of Children in Gulf Coast Housing Camps and in Future National Emergencies
Agency recommends improving child protection, restoring sense of community
Washington, D.C. (July 24, 2006) — Children and families living in temporary housing settlements along the Gulf Coast lack the protective elements of an established community, according to a new report released today by Save the Children, the leading independent organization creating lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world.
The assessment concluded that temporary housing sites lacked community-oriented essentials, including meeting places for adults to access relevant information and services. Moreover, there were few recreational spaces for children to play. Only with these community basics can children have a protective environment.
Save the Children assessed 20 transitional housing group sites in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), between February and April 2006. The agency reviewed the physical layout of the sites, and interviewed individuals and groups of residents. The survey focused on the overall environment along with child-protection issues, including social and mental health services, security, transportation and recreational space.
“This report demonstrates that displaced children face increased risks and are extremely vulnerable,” said Mark Shriver, vice president and managing director for U.S. Programs at Save the Children. “Along with providing housing during national emergencies, the federal government also must address the great need to create community among residents, including the development of gathering spaces for adults and children.”
Save the Children recommends that:
- Future transitional housing sites be designed and, where feasible, existing sites adapted to improve community, address the emotional and educational needs of children, and create a protective environment for displaced children and their families;
- The roles and responsibilities of federal, state and local government agencies, and local nonprofit organizations be delineated prior to an emergency of national significance;
- Federal agencies develop working groups to address the needs of children before, during and after national emergencies; and,
- Internationally accepted standards for humanitarian assistance be recognized and used to guide the federally coordinated responses to national disasters
“The good news is that we have shared our findings with FEMA, and together we will move forward to improve the lives of children. We are discussing ways to address some of these recommendations — thus serving the best interests of children displaced by Hurricane Katrina,” Shriver said.
After last summer’s hurricanes, Save the Children launched a variety of programs in Louisiana and Mississippi — bringing decades of expertise to the region. Activities include training teachers, counselors and child care professionals to help children cope with anxiety and regain trust; providing material and financial support for after-school programs and summer camps; and restoring child care centers and creating a referral system for child care services.
