providing a safe environment and a comforting presence for children impacted by traumatic events

Children's Disaster Services (CDS) trains, certifies, and mobilizes volunteers to disaster sites in the United States to provide crisis intervention to young children of families suffering from natural or man-made disasters.  CDS is a program of the Brethren Disaster Ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board. Administrative offices are located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Maryland.

Children's Disaster Services volunteers are identified by blue and white checked tops and compassion for children. CDS volunteers create a safe and friendly environment to give children the freedom to act like children. In the child care center, children are given individualized attention while being engaged in therapeutic play activities designed to relieve stress and calm fears.

CDS recognizes that parents are the primary resource for their children. Child care services are designed to support parents by giving them freedom to secure assistance with the assurance that their children are in a safe and secure environment in which to play. Parents are also helped to understand their children’s needs in the aftermath of disaster.

his CDS ministry is recognized nationally for high standards of child care; readiness and flexibility in response; and especially for the dedication and enthusiasm of its child care volunteers. The program welcomes volunteers from diverse faith traditions who genuinely care about children.

050 TRAINING CLASS: DC-101 Disaster Childcare I  (Cost $45.00 registration, meals, one night stay)

Persons interested in becoming a certified Children's Disaster Services volunteer must successfully complete an intensive 27-hour training workshop. This training covers information on the needs of children following a disaster; learning skills for effective interaction with children; and experiencing a simulated disaster aftermath.

Volunteer Qualifications Care about and enjoy interacting with children Be 18 years of age or older (male or female) Be in good physical and mental health Be a team player Work well under stress and adverse conditions Certification Requirements Complete an intensive 27-hour training workshop Provide at least 2 approved personal references Obtain a clean Criminal Background Check

Katrina Disaster Childcare Site

What happens during the training?

• You will live in a simulated Red Cross shelter. You will sleep on a camp cot or floor mat, share simple meals, learn skills and make friends with other participants in the workshop.
• You will learn how disasters impact families and practice child care skills specific to disaster response. You and your team will set up a temporary child care center using the "Kit of Comfort."
• You will learn how the Children's Disaster Services network functions and works with the American Red Cross and FEMA in disasters.
• You will assess your own emotional strength, skills and flexibility. You will take home knowledge and skills that are immediately transferable to your family, your church and community.

What should I bring to the workshop?

By Marlene Shoup

Clothing for active participation and floor sitting

Camping gear
• sleeping bag or blankets and pillow
• camp mat
• flashlight

Personal items
• towel and washcloth
• toiletries, soap, toothbrush
• devotional books

Openness to new experiences

What if I decide this type of volunteer work is not for me?

Attendance in a workshop does not enroll you automatically in Children's Disaster Services. At the end of the training you will have a better idea about your readiness and suitability for service with Children's Disaster Services.

What specifically would I be expected to do with children in a disaster situation?

Comfort: You and your team will be able provide a safe environment for children with age-appropriate play equipment. You will offer a gentle hand to hold, and a welcoming lap for reading and rocking.

Encouragement: You will guide children in activities that help them "tell their stories" and work through experiences of a traumatic event.

Understanding: You will be able help parents and disaster relief workers understand a child's feelings and needs after a disaster.

What can I expect after the workshop?

If you decide to apply for certification as a Children's Disaster Services volunteer, your application will be processed and held until references and a background check have been received. These documents will be reviewed and approval will be determined by the Children's Disaster Services National Coordinator. If approved for certification, you will receive a confirmation letter and identification card. You may also be invited to work with a group of others from your church or general area to develop a "Kit of Comfort."

For more information and schedule Children's Disaster Services  1 - 800-451-4407, ext. 5.

051 TRAINING CLASS DC-102 Disaster Childcare II  A team leader course.

Critical Response Childcare Team (CRC)  This team is a group of experienced Children's Disaster Services volunteers who have received advanced, specialized training that prepares them to work with grieving and traumatized children following an aviation incident or other mass casualty event. The presence of a compassionate care giver, along with carefully selected play activities, can greatly impact the recovery process of a child who has experienced loss or trauma.

A six-member team is on call each month, ready to travel within four hours of requested deployment by the American Red Cross (ARC). Depending on the type of disaster or incident, the American Red Cross, National Transportation Safety Board or Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Office for Victims Assistance will set up a Family Assistance Center.