Help Kids Cope

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and Ozark Center, the Help Kids Cope application delivers structured guidance to parents and caregivers for discussing disasters with children. The system organizes content across 10 disaster types, with modules dedicated to explaining, preparing for, responding to, and healing from traumatic events. The interface provides age-specific scripts and coping strategies for preschool, school-age, and adolescent children. Integrated audio vignettes supplement the pedagogical content with parent perspectives.

Evidence & Research Context

• The application's content is grounded in principles of trauma-informed care and child development, leveraging expertise from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).
• An evidence-informed toolkit for juvenile justice agencies, developed by Child Trends and the NCTSN, cites the app as a recommended resource for caregivers.
• The toolkit highlights the app's utility for facilitating conversations with children about disasters and managing their emotional responses to promote healing and resilience.

Intended Use & Scope

The application is intended for parents, caregivers, and professionals seeking guidance on communicating with children about disasters. Its primary utility is as a psychoeducational support tool to facilitate constructive conversations and promote adaptive coping. The tool does not constitute a clinical intervention or replace professional mental health services; consultation with a qualified provider is necessary for persistent traumatic stress.