Thread by @OpSAFEIntl

In this thread I would like to share 12 things that local communities can do to help #childrensmentalhealth - these are focused on things that can be done by schools, orgs and faith groups. 1/13

The first four are ways to reduce exposure to trauma, 5 & 6 are ways to reduce vulnerability & susceptibility, 7 & 8 promote protective factors, and 9-12 promote healthy adaptation. @kaitlin_sheerin @KimberlyHyatt @mashenka @EK_Neuro @notafreudian 2/13

1. Advocating for the children of the poor and marginalized who are more vulnerable to acute exposure. - develop a clear understanding, include them in the process, amplify their voice. @BarbaraRoblesMD @ResilienceXBdrs @TodjamesCF

2. Instruct families on appropriate discipline of children to reduce chronic abuse and neglect. - it is not enough to ban physical punishment, alternative parenting strategies need to be taught. @Pfagell @ACEsConnection @bolton_jinks

3. Prepare to bring help to children with hidden trauma with a plan for when abuse is revealed. - Be a place where children who are suffering feel safe revealing their needs, and plan for when they do. @RobinCogan @SWS_FASTLab @UrLifeUrLegacy

4. Ensure that your school/org/faith group is safe for children with a written child protection policy - it will make the possibility of abuse happening outside of the home less likely to happen. @DrHowardLiu @DrJessicaBStern @skinnerismyBF

5. Raise awareness of structural injustices and institutionalized evil that increase susceptibility. - poverty, racism, marginalization. @DrSWhitaker @lisalombardphd @Doctor_David

6. Raise awareness of special needs of children with disabilities during crisis. - children with pre-existing conditions are more susceptible to trauma than others. @Brbhealth @jesslahey @drjessigold

7. Pro-family activities supporting marriages and parenting. - families are perhaps the most influential protective factor in a child’s life. We need to speak out against any attempts to separate children from families.

8. Modeling supportive relationships at the local level. - people in every context need to see concrete examples of loving, caring families supporting children no matter what the situation they are in.

9. Rebuild community and connections between people who understand and support one another. - activities that bring people together, allow them to share their experiences, and encourage mutual support build community.

10. PFA interventions promote a sense of safety, calming, self-efficacy, hope and connectedness. - train volunteers to do this on the local level with children.

11. Meaning-making activities that help the community and children to make sense out of crisis. - local communities can help children interpret the pain, fear, grief and frustrations that they are all going through.

12. Encourage growth of faith, sense of purpose, and supportive boundaries instilled through culture, tradition, and religious practices.