Our introduction
Our goal is to ensure every family has equal opportunity to access and utilize free emergency child care during a crisis — and now mental health care after a disaster! Together with our partners, we keep children safe and cared for while the family finds a way to manage the crisis situation. In result, we reduce high levels of stress for the family, as well as the potential for violence, abuse or neglect to the child during a crisis.
People in the US
Volunteer Annually
U.S. Families Displaced
By Disasters in 2024
Costing over $1 billion
in damages in 2024
have post-traumatic stress after a disaster
Violet’s family in Asheville, North Carolina, received 159 hours of free child care from 9 trauma-informed volunteers for 6 months after Hurricane Helene.
Let us introduce ourselves
We know children are the most vulnerable during and after disasters. When disasters strike, children can be cut off from their family, their friends, and their home — and basic human needs, such as emotional care, education, food, water and medical care. Trauma exposure can also alter brain anatomy and functioning, inhibiting learning and memory processes. Studies show children exposed to disasters report trouble concentrating, which can interfere with learning at school and at home.
We believe every family has equal opportunity to utilize and access emergency child care, regardless of geography, income, religion, social beliefs, ethnicity, or family dynamics.
How it all came to be…
Through strategic alliances with partner organizations, we utilize a national network of volunteers who have been rigorously screened and vetted for emergency child care.
Child care providers are dispatched immediately to provide relief to a family. Services can range from 1 hour of emergency child care to 8 hours of support per day. Trained volunteers are dispatched to the family’s residence, school, or a location where the service is needed.
There is no criteria for families to use the services, no long application forms, and no high costs. Our child care services are 100% free of charge thanks to generous partners and volunteers who believe in our mission.
Value of
Volunteers have always played a key role in disaster response and recovery.
I know that disasters affect children differently than they do adults. Mental stress from a disaster can be way harder on children because they don’t understand it and can’t process the trauma. I am excited to be a volunteer for National Emergency Child Care Network because I want to take steps to ensure the safety of the children, especially at the most important time for a family. As a mom, I know it can be life-changing for them!
Volunteering keeps the brain active, which contributes to good mental health. Meaningful and productive activities, like providing child care at a time of great need for families in crisis, can help people feel happier. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults who volunteer may also lower their risk of dementia and other health issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, research also has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older.
Why we provide
Experiencing a disaster can cause stress for families.
After a disaster, children may experience anxiety, fear, sadness, sleep disruption, distressing dreams, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and anger outbursts.
Emergency Child Care Volunteers — from college students to first responders, grandparents and nurses — can have a positive impact on children’s mental stress to help them cope after a disaster.
Young children, under 8 years of age, are at particular risk for mental health issues. Some children may develop disorders like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder after a disaster. Stress and emotional problems affect children’s physical health, quality of life and how they do at home, in school, and in their communities.