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Children and Youth in Mission

- Whether serving in Mission or Disaster Response, youth and children follow the guidelines normally required for any event or trip.
- Parents sign a specific form giving permission for their child to participate in Mission or Disaster Response. Some forms may require a notary.
- UMCOR guidelines require those responding to disaster in the Relief Phase be 18 years of age or older. This is due to extreme conditions and emotional and safety concerns for youth and children as well as survivors.
- Good ways for children and youth to help is collecting supplies for and assembling relief kits, praying for disaster survivors and responders, helping to prepare themselves and their family for disaster, raising relief and recovery funds.
- Disaster Response is very fluid and things change rapidly. All participants must know to be flexible and follow the guidance of those leading the response, both voluntary and governmental.
- Children responding to disaster in the Recovery Phase should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Youth responding to disaster in the Recovery Phase should be part of a team. Adult guidance and supervision is required according to youth ministry guidelines and appropriate to job assignments.