1. Introduction – Protecting Children in a Disaster or Crisis

Family Reunification After Disasters

In the aftermath of disasters—including bus crashes, school shootings, and natural hazards - some children will be separated from their families or caregivers. Across the United States, millions of children spend weekdays away from their parents while attending school or receiving care in childcare facilities. Children may also become unaccompanied when a caregiver is injured during a disaster.

Unaccompanied children face significant risks, including physical and psychological trauma, neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Safe and timely reunification with their caregivers is essential to their well-being.

Reunification is complicated by the varied developmental, physiological, and psychological needs of children. Planning must account for differences in age, communication abilities, medical needs, functional needs, and responses to stress.

About This Toolkit

Suggested Citation

Blaser, B., Mazzara, R. L, Deutschmann, K., Chung, S., Lin, A. (2026). Child Reunification Considerations for Communities Toolkit. Pediatric Pandemic Network, Family Reunification Domain.

Many communities lack comprehensive plans tailored to the needs of children. To address this gap, the Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN) collaborated with an interdisciplinary, multilevel task force of experts to create a specialized planning tool.

Drawing on lessons from previous disasters, this toolkit presents proven useful practices gathered from regional programs and children’s organizations dedicated to family reunification.

The goal of this toolkit is to support communities that are beginning family reunification planning as well as those seeking to strengthen existing plans. It serves as a practical guide to the unique needs of children that should be addressed through community emergency planning and preparedness.

By centering children in reunification planning, communities can help families reunite quickly and safely while providing children with the care, support, and protection they need during emergencies.