To provide optimal care for children with disabilities who are at risk, the Disabilities Administration in the Israeli Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs is developing a model for an emergency center designed for children with disabilities from birth to age 18. Given the service’s unique and innovative nature, the Administration commissioned the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute to review services provided in Israel and elsewhere to children with disabilities who require immediate protection in emergency situations, as well as to develop a logic model for emergency centers for this population.
The study was based on a review of professional literature and an analysis of information from selected countries (Australia, the United States, Spain, and Canada) and from Israel concerning responses for children with disabilities at risk. In addition, consultations were held with experts knowledgeable about emergency centers for children or about responses for children with disabilities in Israel and worldwide, and 19 interviews were conducted with professionals in Israel.
Based on the review and interviews, a logic model was developed for emergency centers for children with disabilities in Israel. The model is a visual working tool that helps formulate, make explicit, and presents a theory of change, its components, and the relationships among them. At the core of the model are adaptation of the service to the type of disability and the child’s support needs, considering the child’s strengths and changes in their condition following the crisis; protection in an accessible, trauma-informed environment; multidisciplinary assessments; an individual intervention plan; and planning the transition to a suitable long-term placement. The desirable outcomes are improved child` safety and well-being, strengthened meaningful relationships, and transition to a suitable placement.
Suggested citation (APA):
Nagar Eidelman, R., Alfasi, B., Koren, Y., Yabo, M., Arazi, T., & Barlev, L. (2026). Emergency centers for children and youth with disabilities: A review of selected countries and a theory of change. RR-091-26. Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute.