Child Protection Vital to Disaster Relief Efforts

Child Protection Vital to Disaster Relief Efforts

I recently sent a letter to FEMA Director David Paulison asking him to address the unique needs of children in disaster planning, response, and recovery. I highlighted for him the significant work New Jerseyans have done on child protection, and urged him to continue to work with our state on this issue. While I am pleased that FEMA has begun to take steps to improve services to children and families as part of a new partnership with Save the Children, there is more work to be done.

New Jerseyans have played a crucial role in addressing the needs of children in crisis, particularly in responding to Hurricane Katrina. Following the hurricane, New Jersey firefighters assisted communities in the Gulf region with truckloads of food and clothing, and a contribution of more than $300,000 to Save the Children's efforts in the region. They also built a playground at North Bay Elementary; a Mississippi school to which firefighters from Elizabeth, NJ have been linked after children from that area sent them mementos of support following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Firefighters from across New Jersey raised money to build the play area and dozens of them traveled to Bay Saint Louis, MS for a week in April to build it.

I applaud the efforts of all New Jerseyans to address the challenges faced by children in a disaster. I strongly urge FEMA, as well as local and state governments, to take into account the unique challenges faced by children in a disaster. I will continue to work so that our nation puts children first, especially in emergency situations.

http://www.house.gov/list/hearing/nj01_andrews/11_28_06.html