Emergency Psychosocial

Assessment

Hernandez

Causon

Figueras

Domingo

Definitions:

Emergencies are situations in

which the lives and welfare of

people are at such a risk that

extraordinary action must be

mobilized to ensure their

survival, protection and well-

being.

Psychosocial refers to an

interrelation between

psychological and social

factors, between the mind and

society.

Assessment typically answers

a referral question, solve a

problem or arrive at a decision

through the use of tools of

evaluation

Emergency Psychosocial

Assessment (EPA)

Used as a tool for the assessment of the psychosocial well-being of children and families in emergencies.

a flexible process that is continuously evolving, adaptive and responsive to the needs and circumstances of the emergency situation, the community and its people – as well as of the assessment team

Similarities of EPA to other

Assessments

Emphasize varying degrees of

participation among different types

of stakeholders, depending on their

capacity, availability and their

desired quality and level of

involvement

Guided by the principles and ethics

Information Gathering Process

Differences of EPA to other

Assessments

It assesses:

the information about the

context of the disaster

Return to Family and

Community Life

Sustainable Community Well-

being

How should EPA be conducted?

Coordination

Orientation

Linkages

Gathering Data

Field Notes

Feedbacks

Where is EPA usually

conducted?

Usually on the areas affected

by social emergencies

GOAL of EPA:

to contribute to the

community’s pursuit of peace,

social justice and respect for

human rights through

processes and actions in

assessments and follow-up

programming.

Questions answered by

EPA1. Identify potential areas or

issues needing immediate

attention.

2. What are the potential sources

of conflict and tensions at the

individual and social levels?

3. What are the support needed

to pursue peace and

development?

Are people’s survival and protection

needs being met?

Are people being given correct and

accurate information?

Is an environment being created in

which people can return to normalcy

and routine?

Why do People come to undergo

EPA?

To identify the long term effects of

the disaster/s to themselves

Providing Psychosocial support to

communities and individuals help

them to cope with their emotions

and psychological wellbeings

The healing and rebuilding of

individuals and families are

necessary for the mending and

reconstruction of the greater

community.

Who are qualified to do this type of

assessment?

Personal qualities

Commitment to humanitarian

work.

Ability to remain calm under

pressure.

Ability to manage stress.

Skills

Excellent communication and

interpersonal skills.

Written and spoken English.

Analysis and problem solving.

Understanding of psychosocial

issues.

Experience

Experience of working

successfully within a team and

alone.

Experience of living and/or

working in difficult

circumstances, ideally in a

developing or conflictaffected

Country.

Qualifications

Masters degree in Psychology,

Social Work, Humanitarian

work or any related fields, and

internal International

Organization for Migration

trainings in Mental Health and

Psychosocial Response.

For EPA teams

Should have five to eight people.

One person with experience in participatory programming.

one person with experience in assessing psychosocial support in emergencies.

One person who speaks the locallanguage(s).

Attention should be paid to balancegender, age and ethnic equity and avoidany discrimination.

Other support persons

Data Gathering Methods Used

Questionnaire

Background Data

Interview

References:Cohen, R. J., Swerdlik, M. E., Smith, D. K., & Cohen, R. J.

(1992). Psychological testing and assessment: An introduction to tests and measurement. Mountain View, Calif: Mayfield Pub. Co.

Emergency Assessment definitions | Quizlet. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://quizlet.com/dictionary/emergency-assessment/

Handbook on Psychosocial Assessment of Children and Communities in Emergencies Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/eapro/Handbook.pdf

Psychosocial Needs Assessment in Emergency Displacement, Early Recovery, and Return IOM Tools.

Retrieved from http://www.iom.int/jahia/webdav/shared/shared/mainsite/activities/health/mental-health/Psychosocial-Needs-Assessment-Emergency-Displacement-Early-Recovery-Return-IOM-Tools.pdf