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NTSB Holding Family Assistance Symposium

NTSB Holding Family Assistance Symposium
Panel discussions during the March 28-29 event will help the transportation industry, the media, and investigative agencies learn how families are helped after accidents around the world.

The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a two-day conference March 28-29 for family members, transportation accident investigation agencies, transportation industry representatives, government agencies, and the media to discuss family assistance after transportation accidents in an international context. The event coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act and the 10th anniversary of ICAO Circular 285 and will give those who attend the chance to learn firsthand from those involved worldwide in family assistance, according to NTSB.

Day one features four panel discussions and will be webcast. Day two includes training by the NTSB Transportation Disaster Assistance staff, who will give an overview of the NTSB model for family assistance operations.

The tentative agenda shows the panel discussions will be:

Family Members: Perspectives from those affected by accidents, a discussion of their needs, and how those needs are met through family assistance programs.
Transportation industry, vendors, and non-governmental organizations: Responsibilities of the industry, their vendors, and non-governmental organizations.

Government transportation accident investigation agencies: How investigative agencies provide information about accident investigations and their role in family assistance.

Media: How the media report on family members following accidents and how family assistance has affected such reporting.

The event will take place at the NTSB Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20594. Registration is free and is being conducted separately for each day. Visit this page to register and for links to transportation family assistance resources.

Tentative Agenda

Perspectives from Family Members, Industry, Government, and Media

Welcome and Introductions: The Honorable Deborah A.P. Hersman
Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act
Four high-level panel discussions designed to share best practices and lessons learned in the provision of family assistance in transportation accidents internationally.
Family Members: Perspectives from those impacted by accidents, a discussion of their needs, and ways in which those needs are met through family assistance programs.
Transportation industry, vendors, and non-governmental organizations: Perspectives on the responsibilities of the industry, their vendors, and non-governmental organizations in providing assistance.
Government transportation accident investigation agencies: How investigative agencies provide information about the accident investigation and their role in family assistance.
Media: How the media reports on family members following accidents and how family assistance has impacted such reporting.
March 29, 2011

The NTSB Family Assistance Model: An Introduction

NTSB family assistance legislation overview; information flow and timelines; family assistance operations; conducting effective family briefings; personal effects best practices; victim identification concerns; site visits, memorials, anniversaries.

SEE AGENDA

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