(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 15, 2001 ) Deeply affected by this week's tragic events in New York and northern Virginia, the nation's YMCAs are providing financial and emotional support through the New York and Washington YMCAs; but are also looking at potential damage at home -- helping children understand the tragedy and reassuring them that they and their loved ones, are safe.

YMCA of the USA has developed basic guideliness for YMCA staff, parents, teachers and other care-givers to follow when comforting and communicating with young people about the tragic loss of American lives and harsh images seen on TV.

Online access to full guidelines can be found at the bottom of this condensed list.

Filter what you say and what you allow children to view, hear, or experience based on the child's age, maturity level, experience and ability to handle disturbing news.
Take your cues from the young person as you enter and expand the conversation
Give children accurate information - acknowledge a terrible, senseless event
Listen, reassure, support, and acknowledge children's feelings
Reassure children that you, the school, government, etc. are doing everything possible to keep children safe
Monitor, limit, and discuss children's television viewing - refrain from continual viewing
Reassure children that those responsible will be caught and that most people are "good"
Watch for signs of stress or fear that indicate that children are troubled and unable to successfully process information -- you may need professional help
Suggest ways that the child can help - let them feel empowered
Realize that this may have a long-term effect on the child - continue to offer reassurance
Be mindful of resisting and confronting prejudice
A full list of guidelines, with recommendations and greater context can be found at:
http://www.ymca.net/presrm/news/index.htm

YMCA of the USA is the national support office for the nation's 2,434 YMCAs, collectively the largest community service organization and provider of child care in the U.S. Y's are for men, women and children of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities; they foster core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Financial assistance is available.

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Produced for YMCA of the USA

CONTACT:
Arnold Collins, 312-419-8418
Julie Mulzoff, 312-419-8758


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Contact Information:
YMCA
Joseph Nchor
Tel:
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