Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2022
118. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if the National Educational Psychological Service will be expanded to include therapeutic including trauma support for schools on site to enable them to support displaced Ukrainian students and for existing students in response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis. [58316/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNENEPS has led on the overall approach to supporting the wellbeing of children and young people from Ukraine enrolling in schools in Ireland, taking a psychosocial approach, in line with international research and best practice. A psychosocial approach means that children/young people and their families need to be given time to adapt and adjust to their new environment, new home, new school, and to be given access to practical supports, clear information and assistance to settle in and make friends. The Hobfoll Principles are key evidence-based principles known to help people regain a sense of normalcy and wellbeing in the aftermath of emergencies/traumatic events.
NEPS has developed a number of resources to support the wellbeing of children and young people from Ukraine including.
- Supporting the Wellbeing of Children from Ukraine in your School
- Supporting Children and Young People in a time of War
- Guidance for Parents and Carers from Ukraine on Supporting the Wellbeing of their Children
- The response to stress: a guide for post-primary staff
- Normalising thoughts, feelings and behaviours: a guide for post-primary staff
- Managing stress and anxiety: a guide for post-primary staff
- Look, Listen & Link - A model of Psychological First Aid (PFA) to help teachers support students
NEPS in collaboration with Education Support Centres Ireland (ESCI) delivered Primary and Post primary webinars on Welcoming Children to Our Schools.
NEPS works closely with the HSE and its agencies to ensure those who may require the provision of therapy or counselling are referred on to the appropriate clinical services for intervention and support.
