FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hillary Angel
Phone: (909) 390-1239
E-mail: hangel@wilkinguge.com

CHILDREN DURING TIMES OF TRAUMA AND LOSS

SAN DIEGO, Calif., - April 21, 2003 – For young children, the strength of our calm makes the world a safe place. Times of crisis not only challenge us as human beings, but also as protectors of our children. Too often we are not mindful of what or how we express or do not express things to our children during times of crisis. But, what if the children themselves were suffering from the death of a parent while serving in the military? What is our responsibility then when at times they have no other adults able to protect them?

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists encourages the media to not include bereaved children in news interviews. Children under intense grief and other tragic circumstances would then be vulnerable to secondary trauma. Further, to put a child in the public spotlight could exacerbate their grief and lead to feelings of guilt and helplessness. Such sense of vulnerability could easily have a permanent negative impact on a child’s sense of safety in the world. We all have a responsibility to protect our children and not to further traumatize them.

What we need to do for all children is to simply be there for them. Be compassionate, listen and respond, using thoughtful communication, and respond to their needs. If you are faced with needing help in speaking with a child or expressing these stories to the public, call upon an expert—the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). CAMFT has a membership of over 25,000 mental health professionals available to interview for such stories.

Call CAMFT’s Marketing Team and let us know how we can help. CAMFT also offers a brochure to explain how Marriage and Family Therapists help consumers and is available at www.camft.org
or by calling 858-292-2638, FAX 858- 292-2650. CAMFT has an Internet resource to aid consumers
in finding the right Marriage and Family Therapist.– www.therapistfinder.com.

About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) is an independent professional organization representing the interests of licensed marriage and family therapists. CAMFT has twenty-seven chapters throughout the state to serve the interests of California marriage and family therapists. CAMFT provides TherapistFinder.com as a resource to prospective patients< looking for marriage and family therapists located in California. For more information on CAMFT, please call 858-292-2638 or www.camft.org.