Next steps for improving our disaster management systems for kids

About this grant

The John Villiers Trust (JVT) has committed $106,931 to Phase 2 of the Thriving Kids in Disasters (TKiD) initiative.

Phase 2 builds on the findings of the Phase 1 TKiD report which examined how current disaster management (DM) arrangements in Queensland could better support the resilience and wellbeing of infants, children, and young people. 

Phase 2 focuses on building partnerships and an action plan to respond to the recommendations of the Phase 1 report.

Supporting country Queensland

JVT is passionate about country Queensland, and we believe the future of its communities is in the hands of young people. 

One of the findings from TKiD Phase 1 is that the challenge of disasters is even more pressing for children living in rural, regional, and remote communities. It also found that disasters are a critical threat to positive child development, and this has been insufficiently recognised. 

And with disasters increasing in severity and frequency, we need to act now to improve the systems and supports in place to mitigate impacts. (More information about the TKiD report findings)

System change goals

JVT’s funding for TKiD Phase 2 will allow collaborators to:

1. Educate, disseminate and discuss the report findings 
2. Build a collective with stakeholders to develop an action plan to create system change.
3. Create a community of practice to share available information, resources, and best practice.
4. Identify ways to get youth involvement to ensure the solutions are fit for purpose 

Alignment with JVT’s priorities 

TKiD Phase 2 aligns with our mission and goals and meets our five criteria for support. It is:

• a collaboration between ARACY and TQKP with multiple agencies and partners in government, communities, not-for-profits, peak and industry bodies, and academic and research institutes. 
• an opportunity to support our communities and our children before disasters strike and intervene early to reduce impacts. 
• amplifying the voices, expertise and experiences of children, young people, families and community recovery partners and practitioners.
• intended to improve the entire system of disaster management, preparedness, and recovery arrangements for children and young people. 
• a way to build capacity by connecting key players, facilitating collaborative action, and contributing to state and national policy, practice and capability improvement.

Links:

• Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership – Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY)
• Thriving Kids in Disasters

Related stories:

• Helping Queensland children during disasters (The findings of the TKiD report) 
• Helping country children and young people thrive during disasters
• ARACY: Helping Queensland kids thrive
• Collaborating so country kids can thrive
• Philanthropists, universities and organisations collaborate for country Queensland kids to thrive: media release PDF
• Boots on the ground for country kids