Child Life Disaster Relief (CLDR) is a specialized nonprofit organization that leverages the skills of Child Life professionals to address the unique needs of children affected by disasters and crises. Traditionally, Child Life Specialists work within pediatric medical settings, helping children navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of illness, trauma, and grief. Over the past decade, CLDR has adapted these skills to disaster scenarios, recognizing the critical need for focused psychosocial support for children in the aftermath of disasters.
When disaster strikes, children are among the most vulnerable, and often overlooked, as they struggle to cope with fear, loss, and confusion. That’s why CLDR takes immediate action, deploying trained Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS), known as the CLDR Responders, to provide critical emotional support to children and their families right when they need it most. Backed by the evidence-based CLDR Trauma Mitigation Model, the organization not only delivers direct care, but also trains first responders, teachers, community leaders, and caregivers, ensuring children receive consistent, compassionate support during and after crises. This proven approach doesn’t just ease trauma, it builds resilience, restores hope, and changes lives. With the right care, children don’t just survive disasters, they begin to heal.
CLDR's mission is to empower and support children and families in crises by providing trauma-informed direct services, community outreach, training, and education. CLDR mitigates the effects of traumatic events by integrating Child Life professional expertise into impacted communities.
Find out more at: https://cldisasterrelief.org/
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