Notes
Future research / gaps identified: n/a
Key findings:
1) Immigrant children and youth resilience post-flood were tied to: 1) constructive parental responses, 2) effective school support, 3) active involvement in/with community, and 4) connections between disasters and the environment.
2) Major challenges to recovery post-flood were: 1) loss of documentation, 2) lack of temporary housing and accommodations, 3) lack of diversity considerations in disaster management (e.g. having interpreters at emergency and disaster services).
3) Immigrants faced significant socio-economic impacts, trauma, job loss, and housing instability as a result of the flood and its aftermath.
4) Limited social ties, limited English fluency, and immigration status contributed to their vulnerability post-disaster.
Key populations: immigrant children, youth and families in Alberta affected by the 2013 flood
Location: Alberta (not otherwise specified)
Community organizations: n/a
Integration timeline: not defined
Key recommendations:
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Proactively engage immigrant communities in planning for all phases of a disaster: preparedness, response, and recovery to ensure adequate post-disaster recovery among immigrants.
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Build strong partnerships between immigrant-serving agencies, community organizations, and disaster and emergency management agencies in order to connect immigrants and newcomers to essential resources.
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Include interpreters in evacuation centers for translation and information for emergency documents.
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Develop a variety of web-based resources, infographics, workbooks on child resilience, and fact sheets for children, families, and service providers in multiple languages.
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Tailor disaster and emergency management services to address the unique needs of immigrant children, youth and families post-disaster.
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Implement supportive programs and services for parents and schools to enhance child resiliency, empowerment, capacity building and knowledge mobilization.
