The recent floods in Valencia and other areas of Spain have caused serious damage to many homes, which have ceased to be a home because, in addition to their deterioration, they lack basic services in many cases. This situation may cause many parents to find themselves in the position of sending their children to spend a few days with relatives in nearby safe areas that have not been affected by DANA. However, pediatricians explain that this decision requires a careful evaluation that takes into account both the physical and emotional well-being of children and their families.
The Mental Health and Environmental Health committees of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics have issued a statement in which they recommend that children be avoided from their parents or main caregivers, whenever possible. This position is based on scientific evidence that highlights the importance of maintaining family unity in emergency or disaster situations. These experts also detail recommendations for parents and caregivers on when and how to consider temporary rehoming.
In which cases should temporary relocation of children be considered?
Studies carried out after disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in the United States and the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004 have shown that children who remain with their parents tend to recover emotionally faster and present fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“It is essential that this relocation includes the parents whenever possible, or that regular and frequent contact is maintained to minimize the emotional impact of the separation”
“Physical and emotional contact with parents is one of the most effective interventions to reduce the impact of a traumatic situation. Children feel safer, and this allows them to resume daily routines, which are key to reestablishing a sense of normality,” said Dr. Paula Armero, coordinator of the Mental Health Committee of the AEP.
In exceptional cases, such as when the home is no longer habitable or there are medical conditions that increase the risk to health (such as chronic diseases, disabilities, or situations of immunosuppression such as those derived from cancer treatment), temporary transfer with relatives nearby can be a protective measure. These would be the factors that would recommend such a transfer:
- Uninhabitable housing: When the home has suffered significant damage or lacks essential services (clean water, heat, food), temporarily relocating children to a safe place with family members may be necessary.
- Health problems: special conditions such as oncology treatments or immunosuppressants may require a safe environment to avoid risks associated with water contamination and exposure to mold, common problems after flooding.
- Psychological impact: Children can experience high levels of anxiety and fear after a flood. Temporarily being with close family members can help reduce child stress by providing a stable environment, and allows parents to focus on cleaning and repairing the home without exposing children to such situations.
- Parents’ difficulties in caring for their children: if parents are emotionally affected or dealing with material problems, temporary support in the home of relatives can help the family’s emotional regulation.
- Availability of close relatives: if there are trusted relatives who can take in the children and already have a close bond with them, temporary relocation can be a positive alternative in line with family values.
“It is essential that this relocation includes the parents whenever possible, or that regular and frequent contact is maintained to minimize the emotional impact of separation,” highlights Dr. Juan Antonio Ortega, coordinator of the Environmental Health Committee of the AEP. . Furthermore, if opting for rehoming, parents and caregivers are advised to explain the situation to the child to reduce their anxiety, maintain contact through daily calls and keep the separation as brief as possible.
“The focus on maintaining family unity respects the principle of no unnecessary separation, promotes rapid reunification and is aligned with best practices for psychosocial support in emergencies following international recommendations, such as those of UNICEF and the Red Cross, which underline the importance of keeping children with their primary caregivers whenever possible, as this helps reduce the emotional impact of the disaster and promotes recovery,” emphasizes Dr. Ortega. Alternatives to avoid separation are also recommended, such as keeping the family together in relatives’ homes when possible, or in temporary accommodation for the entire family.
Source: Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP)
