Children and Trauma: Lessons from the Oklahoma City Bombing

Robin Gurwitch, Ph.D.

Abstract

The bombing in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995 was the worst act of terrorism ever
experienced in the United States. Over 150 people were killed, 19 of them children, and hundreds 
more were injured. The impact of this trauma on the children of Oklahoma City was significant.
Hundreds were directly affected (e.g., having a family member killed or injured) and thousands
more knew of victims or were inundated by the media coverage of the event. The criminal proceedings
served to continue exposure to the event. When trauma touches the lives of children, it is
important that we learn from such a horrendous experience and develop plans of comprehensive
intervention services should the need ever arise again. This presentation will discuss the
lessons learned from the Oklahoma City bombing as they relate to children's issues. Establishment
of services for the acute phase of the trauma was critical for both the children and their
families. Data obtained from over 2,000 school-aged children several months after the trauma
will be discussed. Based upon the findings from research and intervention services, a manual
was developed to help children who experience a trauma. The ideas incorporated for service 
providers will be reviewed and exercises for the children examined. Finally, suggestions for
planning for the future in mental health responses to disaster will be offered.

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