In light of the recent tragedy in Newtown, several agencies will be offering resources and open forums for parents, caregivers and educators on how to help children and their families. Also, listed below are resources and websites for information on how to help children deal with the tragedy.
Please contact the New Canaan Youth Services Department at 203-594-3080 or see either website below:
www.facebook.com/wecarenc or
www.newcanaancares.org for more information on how to get local help.
New CanaanCARES is hosting a Talking with Our Children and Handling Our Own Grief Parent Program/Drop-in Session to help parents cope with their own feelings, to provide helpful responses to our children's questions and fears, and support those who have suffered loss. We will also discuss common questions we are receiving from our youth and parents, and have opportunity for open discussion and support. Community members of all ages are welcome to come out and support one another.
New Canaan:
• Where: Outback Teen Center
• When: Wednesday, December 19th 10:30 am
The Child Guidance Center will hold a forum for parents/community to consult with child mental health experts on helping children (and families) deal with their reactions.
Stamford:
• Where: 196 Grey Rock Place, Stamford, CT.
• When: Monday 5:30-6:30pm, 196 Grey Rock Place, Stamford, CT
• www.childguidancect.org
Family Centers will be offering forums in Greenwich and Darien to will allow adults an opportunity to talk about the events, the impact on their children, ask for advice on how to talk to their children about trauma and receive feedback from professionals.
Greenwich:
• Where: Family Centers, 40 Arch Street
• When: Tuesday December 18th at 9:30am
Darien - in collaboration with the Darien Library and other community providers, Two more forums will be offered at the
• Where: Darien Library's Community Room
• When: Monday, December 17 at 10am
• Wednesday, December 19 at 7pm
• www.familycenters.org
For further information on connecting with a counselor or therapist please contact New Canaan Youth Services at 203-594-3080.
RESOURCES:
CT Department of Children and Families
http://www.ct.gov/dcf/cwp/view.asp?a=4368&Q=514042
From Connecticut Clearinghouse: The following is a list of Connecticut Clearinghouse resources directly related to traumatic events. The Clearinghouse also has materials on grief and loss, depression, stress, substance use, and other related topics. Please call the Clearinghouse at 800-232-4424 or visit us at www.ctclearinghouse.org for additional information.
Fact Sheet
Young People and Trauma” factsheet can be accessed at www.ctclearinghouse.org/files/customer-files/423-Young-People-And-Trauma-121712.doc
Online Resources
Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx
Coping with Violence and Traumatic Events
www.samhsa.gov/trauma/
Coping with Crisis—Helping Children With Special Needs
www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/specpop_general.aspx
Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Parents and Teachers
www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/angermgmt_general.aspx
Identifying Seriously Traumatized Children: Tips for Parents and Educators
www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/psycht_general.aspx
Talking with Kids About News
www.pbs.org/parents/talkingwithkids/news/