The term "crisis and emergency context" contains those situations that bring abrupt, definite interruptions to the safety, stability, and well-being of children and families in emergency situations, wherein natural disasters such as floods, bushfires, and cyclones could be cited; or human-made ones, such as family violence, displacement, and homelessness. Since climate change is said to accelerate the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Australia, more and more children and families are now really faced with trauma, displacement, and loss (Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience [AIDR], 2023). Family violence, a matter of paramount consideration, has affected the lives of several thousands of children annually, leaving horror implications for their growth and wellbeing (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2022). The early childhood service sector often works as a first responder in such situations, supporting children and families toward recovery and resilience building throughout and after the crisis.
Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory may provide a good framework for understanding the nature of crises occurring at the community or family level and their effects on the impacted child's microsystem and environment.. Literature in disaster psychology reports how children react differently to emergency situations with regard to their developmental stage, prior experiences, and the nature of adult support (Masten & Narayan, 2012).