NADD Task Force on Trauma & Disasters

Nancy J. Smyth, PhD, LCSW

University at Buffalo

State University of New York

Co-Chair with Eddie Lawlor, Washington University

Presented at CSWE Annual Program Meeting October 2007 San Francisco, CA

Disasters

• FEMA’s Definition (1995) – natural catastrophe OR regardless of cause, any fire,

flood, or explosion that causes damage – of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant

assistance supplementing State, local, and disaster relief organization efforts to alleviate damage, loss, hardship, or suffering

• 1984-1994 there were 285 disasters in the US, approximately 1 every 2 weeks.

Social Work Role

• Disaster Mitigation & Planning– Community assessment, planning, organizing

to address needs, especially those of vulnerable populations

– Organizational assessment & planning to address needs for services under disaster circumstances

• Disaster Response– Core community services– Mental health & family support

Social Work Schools/Departments

• Curriculum– Specialized Courses– Infusion– Field Assignments

• Continuing Education Certificate Programs• Mitigation & Planning for SW Programs• SW Schools as Responders & Community

Partners• SW Research

NADD Task Force

• Trauma & Disaster Resources on the Web

• Syllabi Project

• Teleconference/Webcast with International Partners doing Disaster Management Education Programs

• Policies/Procedures for SW Programs Disaster Mitigation/Planning