information for practice

This publication has a dual purpose—to help managers think through what they might put in place to cope with disasters, and to highlight how taking these steps can improve systems for serving children and families. This publication, developed to update a 1995 Children’s Bureau publication, Coping with Disasters: A Guide for Child Welfare Agencies, draws on an extensive literature review and recent presentations by and consultations with State staff members who have experienced disasters. Additionally, members of the Children’s Bureau’s Training and Technical Assistance Network shared insights from their experiences with relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast States, and central office and regional office Administration on Children and Families (ACF) staff provided input.