The Results Are In:
More States Prepared to Protect Our Children “As a nation, we have a moral obligation to protect those who are most vulnerable during disasters: our children,” asserts Mark Shriver, senior vice president of Save the Children’s U.S. Programs.
That’s why Save the Children is committed to working with policymakers, emergency professionals and child-focused organizations across the U.S. to ensure our children’s safety and well-being – and to hold our states accountable.
The Report Card: Protecting Our Children During Disasters
For the fifth consecutive year, Save the Children’s National Report Card on Protecting Children During Disasters assesses all 50 states and the District of Columbia on disaster preparedness and safety requirements for children in child care centers and schools, using four basic standards:
A plan for evacuating children in child care
A plan for reuniting families after a disaster
A plan for children with disabilities and those with access and functional needs 4. A multi-hazard plan for K-12 schools.
The Results: Improved Preparedness, Our Work Continues
Save the Children has signi!cantly in"uenced disaster preparedness policy change in 22 states and tracked signi!cant improvement in the number of states meeting all four standards (a 76% increase, from four states in 2008 to 17 in 2012). However, most states continue to fall short when it comes to protecting children in disasters.
Overall, only one-third of our nation’s states meet all four standards – leaving the majority of American children vulnerable.
Thanks to your support, Save the Children continues our crucial work to ensure that all American children are protected.