Columbia University, New York, is recruiting families in the area for a study to understand how children are affected by their parents' exposure to the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

According to a press release, the study is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and stems from information gathered from a study of more than 8,000 school children which found that children of World Trade Center evacuees were excessively troubled by their parents' experiences.

While most children of World Trade Center evacuees are doing well, many have unexpressed mental health needs and many of these needs are not obvious, according to the press release.

The study wants to determine how the potentially traumatic experience (World Trade Center evacuation) of parents is sometimes transmitted to their children, even when the parent tries to prevent this from happening.

Any parent who worked in the World Trade Center area or was evacuated from the World Trade Center area on Sept. 11, 2001, and has children currently between the ages of 9 and 15, is eligible to participate. All study participants (parents and children) are paid and the interviews are done at the family's convenience, usually in their home, including on weekends and evenings. All information obtained is protected by a federal certificate of confidentiality.

According to the press release, this study of children of evacuees offers an opportunity to contribute to an understanding of the lingering effects of Sept. 11 on children, including those who are doing well as well as those who may not be doing OK. It is anticipated that the findings from this study will be of benefit to families, especially children, in responding to disasters in the future, according to the press release.

Those interested in learning more should call (212) 543-5688 or (800) 774-8448 and ask to speak with Thao Doan, Stephanie Unwin or Dr. Pedro Laureano. All calls are confidential.