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Child Reunification Considerations for Communities

7. Recovery: Transitioning from Reunification Operations to Post-Event Stabilization

7.1. Demobilization of Child-Focused Reunification Resources

Demobilizing Child-Focused Operations

Decisions to scale down or demobilize child-focused resources at a Family Reunification Center (FRC) should be based on clearly defined operational criteria. Consider the number of children involved, their current needs, unresolved cases, available services, and the ability of receiving organizations to maintain safe continuity of care.

Use Appendix V: Demobilization Criteria for Child-Focused Operations to guide and document demobilization decisions.

Child-Focused Demobilization Criteria

The following criteria should be evaluated together and adapted to the incident, jurisdiction, and needs of any children whose cases remain unresolved:

  • Most unaccompanied minors have been accounted for and safely reunified with verified parents, guardians, caregivers, or other authorized custodial adults.
  • No new child-related inquiries or registrations have been received during a locally designated period, such as 24–48 hours.
  • Required identity, custody, and release verification processes have been completed and documented.
  • Children not yet reunified have been safely transferred to authorized child welfare, health care, tribal, or other long-term support services.
  • Child-specific tracking records have been reconciled, secured, and transferred or closed according to records-management procedures.
  • Children have been offered appropriate behavioral health screening, immediate support, and referrals.
  • Child-focused staff and subject matter experts agree that specialized on-site services can be reduced or transferred without compromising child safety or continuity of care.

Operational Recommendations

  • Include the Child Reunification Group Supervisor or designated child-focused subject matter expert in FRC demobilization planning.
  • Complete documentation and chain-of-custody procedures for every child who has not yet been reunified.
  • Confirm that receiving organizations have accepted responsibility and possess the information, staffing, resources, and authority needed to continue care.
  • Notify hospitals, child protective services, tribal partners, law enforcement agencies, schools, and other operational partners of demobilization timelines and transition procedures.
  • Communicate closure or transition information to families and the public while protecting privacy and remaining sensitive to unresolved cases.
  • Maintain a clearly identified point of contact for follow-up inquiries after the FRC closes.
Demobilization should transfer child-focused responsibilities to appropriate long-term services; it should not end support for children and families whose needs remain unresolved.