In the aftermath of a disaster children are some of the most vulnerable.  There are many emotional and physical responses that are difficult for children to express and adult caretakers are often busy trying to make sense of their own lives.  Crowded evacuee centers can be strange and fearful places and children can experience more trauma that can lead to long-term emotional troubles (PTSD).

Operation SAFE is a child-friendly space where children in evacuee centers, tent-cities, and prefab housing units can come and enjoy being children again.  Crafts, songs, stories and games are organized and led by Christian volunteers who are experienced in working with children from their own church programs.

Operation SAFE is also a crisis intervention curriculum presented in a way that is appealing to children so that they can learn how to cope with the difficult emotions that they are experiencing.  Over 5-days the children are introduced to a little penguin who has been separated from his family when their ice-shelf breaks off from Antarctica.  Each day the penguin meets new friends who help the children learn how to be SAFER(R).

SAFER(R) is a widely used crisis intervention technique designed to help those who have been through trauma.

Operation SAFE makes this technique accessible to children.   Through colorful characters, games, songs and activities the children learn that they are in a (S)afe place, that they are (A)ccepted, and that they can have hope for the (F)uture. The children are (E)ncouraged to be brave to ask for help and (R)eminded that they are loved and given (R)esources to get more help if needed.

CRASH has adapted the SAFER(R) technique for children:  The original acronym stands for Stabilization, Affirmation, Facilitation, Encouragement and Recovery or Referral

For more about Operation SAFE and our work with children, visit the official site: http://opsafeintl.com/