Committee's Terms of Reference

COMMITTEE TITLE:
APNS COMMITTEE ON POST-TRAUMA SERVICES

Preamble: As part of the Profession’s responsibility to the community, the APNS established the Committee on Post-Trauma Services. Prompt action by the Committee may be required in some emergency circumstances before complete discussion with the Executive is possible.

MANDATE:
1. Development, coordination and review of direct and indirect psychological services following a disaster.

2. Encouragement of co-ordinated mental health services to call upon in time of disaster or smaller scale critical incidents.

3. Facilitation of education and training experiences for psychologists interested in or involved in providing services related to a disaster or critical incident.

4. Provision of information to the APNS Executive for use in governmental negotiations regarding post-trauma services and, when requested by the Executive, negotiation with municipal, provincial, and federal government officials.

5. Development of resources and public education regarding psychology’s role with respect to disaster or critical incidents.

6. All activities outlined in General Guidelines Applicable to APNS Committees, November 1991 (or subsequent revision).

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:
Membership will be between 6 – 10 members of APNS including the Executive representative. The Committee will have power to add members as needed for brief task force efforts, response to disasters, and training efforts.

There will be staggered terms of three (3) years with reappointment possible subject to review yearly by the Executive. Members are to be appointed by the Executive in consultation with the Committee

Revised 11 January 1996, by the committee composed of: Ann Wetmore (chair), Victor Day, Pam Dixon, Charles Hayes, Ken Hill, Janice Howes, and Stephen Perrott