Evacuating children from the war zone: useful tips from the Ministry of Reintegration

This is reported by the Ministry of Reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Adults need to protect the child from psychological trauma at the time of evacuation and adaptation in a new place, - the ministry stresses.

To avoid stressful situations as much as possible, the following algorithm should be followed:

• Explain to the child that evacuation is a forced measure to keep the family safe.
• Explain that you will return home when the situation stabilises.
• On the way, entertain your child with games and distracting conversations, and keep and broadcast calm and reassurance.
• Agree on rules of behaviour, in particular: in a dangerous situation, your child should comply with your requests immediately and without argument.
• Take a photo of your child before you leave the house: if your child gets lost, you will have the most accurate photo for people to recognise him or her more quickly.
• Make sure your child knows his or her name and the names of his or her parents. Put a note in your child's pocket with all contact details.
• When you arrive at the shelter, explain that this is your new temporary home, but that you will be returning home soon.