How Education and Nonprofit Professionals Can Support Children During and After a Wildfire

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Seven
  In Roundtable Session: Educational and Community Entities: Re/envisioning Partnerships in Multiple Spaces (Table 10)

Abstract

Wildfires are becoming a common part of children’s lives in the Western US, often impacting communities with higher proportions of low-income residents. Using the Community Based Action Research framework, this study aimed to help education and non-profit professionals understand how to support children in such communities impacted by wildfires. 15 professionals who supported children during California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire were interviewed about their experiences. This fire occurred in a county where many children live in poor and low-income households, and which had the highest rate of Adverse Childhood Experiences in California. Three important themes emerged, including the importance of meeting children’s basic needs, meeting children’s social-emotional and mental health needs, and taking care of yourself and staff.

Authors

• Lindsey Nenadal, California State University - Chico
  Presenting Author

• Sierra Zaragoza, California State University - Chico
  Presenting Author

• Courtney Peria, California State University - Chico
  Presenting Author

• Tori Thayer, California State University - Chico
  Presenting Author