We’ve been watching news reports detailing the catastrophic damage in Haiti with special concern for the country’s children. The Center for Children, Law and Policy recently published Children, Law and Disasters (ABA) analyzing the legal framework in the United States in responding after Hurricane Katrina. The impact of the earthquake in Haiti is far worse. In the wake of such devastation, one wonders whether the rule of law is felt at all and legal analysis must take a back seat to the efforts of first responders.

Ann Veneman, the executive direct of Unicef, offered a good summary of the issues in taking first steps in responding to the needs of children in natural disasters in an interview with Charlie Rose.

What you worry about in these situations is, are children displaced from their families. Were their parents killed? Are they alone on the streets?

So one of the things you want to do is to make sure that they are protected, that they’re in a safe place, and that people are helping to find family members so that they aren’t subjected to trafficking or exploitation. So that’s one very important thing.

I mean, obviously, the immediate means for medical care, food, and clean water, and sanitation. We’re very concerned about the spread of disease, particularly childhood diseases like diarrheal diseases which can sap the system of nutrition, making children very weak.

And I think that clearly, in the aftermath of a huge tragedy like this, disease and disease spread is something we’re very concerned about which could cause additional deaths. So supplies getting in quickly, food, medical assistance, shelter, and clean water.

Such disasters naturally engender an outflowing of support and charitable donation. Those of us too distant to physically lend a helping hand are nevertheless instrumental in making financial contributions and focusing the world’s attention on what can be done to ease the damage and help in reconstruction.

We’ve collected information on the various ways people interested in helping children can make a difference with whatever gifts, skills and resources they may have. Due to the logistical difficulty of transporting goods and the damage to the port, monetary donations are most appropriate.

Organizations Active in Haiti

• Washington Post: A List of Charitable Organizations Active in Haiti
• Today Show: A List of Charitable Organizations Active in Haiti

Donations by Text
Donations by Text have already raised millions. For example, texting “HAITI” to “90999″ will create a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.

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