FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Children in the Wake of Terrorism
UPDATE:
February 17, 2002
UPDATE:
February 8, 2002
INITIAL: February 7, 2002
CONTACT: Therese Duncan, VP for Legislation, Connecticut PTA,
203-281-6617
Children
in the Wake of Terrorism
A Forum with Senator Christopher Dodd, State Policy Leaders, Children
and Parents
NEW DATE:
Wednesday, February 20, 2002, 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Room 2-D, Legislative Office Building, Hartford
Children are profoundly affected by September 11 and its aftermath.
They show a pride in democracy, a strong desire to help and a sense that
the world can be repaired. Many reflect insecurity, a need for constancy,
and a quiet fear of imminent and long-term threats.
This forum will discuss the health, safety and youth engagement issues
in state emergency plans. What are the discrete biological issues in
planning for bioterrorism and children? What behaviors are signals for
parents or teachers to seek mental health support for a child? Should
schools have emergency plans for safety and evacuation? What kinds of
front line training would most protect our children should a terrorist
event happen while they are away from home? How can we affirm youth pride
in democracy through community leadership and service?
Join state policy leaders, children, parents and United States Senator
Christopher J. Dodd to discuss the particular needs of children in
planning for homeland security. Senator Dodd introduced the federal Kids
and Terrorism Preparedness Act (S. 1685), with Senators Michael DeWine
(R-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
Connecticut PTA Resolution: Anti-Terrorism
 | CT PTA condemns terrorism in all forms. |
 | CT PTA recognizes the need to develop a comprehensive state and
local plan to ensure the protection and well being of children through
family, school and community partnerships. And further, CT PTA advocates
for parent, school and community involvement in the development of these
comprehensive plans. |
 | CT PTA advocates for State emergency plans to include plans for
health systems to be adequately in place to respond to bioterriorism and
meet children’s need for vaccination and other medical supplies,
children’s mental health needs, school staff training in best practices
in dealing with issues of children and terrorism, and ensuring safe
places for children in and out of school time. |
 | CT PTA encourages opportunities for parent and youth leadership and
a broad community civic engagement in addressing local emergency plans. |
|