ABSTRACT:
Children exposed to disasters, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises face profound psychosocial risks that can persist across the lifespan if unrecognized or inadequately addressed. This presentation examines pediatric psychosocial considerations across disaster and public health emergency contexts, emphasizing the interconnected mental health needs of children, families, and healthcare providers. Drawing on trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate frameworks, the session explores common psychosocial manifestations in children, including behavioral dysregulation, somatic complaints, sleep disturbances, emotional withdrawal, and anxiety. The role of family structure, caregiver distress, stigma, and collective trauma is highlighted, along with the protective value of stability, communication, play, arts, humor, and culturally responsive support strategies. Practical guidance is provided for emergency and humanitarian clinicians to recognize early warning signs, support family reunification and recovery, and foster resilience during and after crises. The presentation concludes with strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and advocacy to strengthen pediatric psychosocial care in disaster and humanitarian settings.