Child Reunification Considerations for Communities

Long-Term Recovery Support for Children and Families

Children and families may need support long after reunification occurs. Recovery planning should include trauma-informed follow-up, anticipatory guidance, resource navigation, and referrals to appropriate services.

Recommendations

• Provide caregivers with accessible printed and digital materials explaining common trauma reactions in children, warning signs that may require additional attention, and where to seek help.
• Coordinate authorized follow-up calls or outreach for children who received medical, behavioral health, or reunification support during the incident.
• Partner with schools, health care providers, child welfare agencies, and community organizations to support children’s post-event well-being and continuity of services.
• Provide families with information about developmentally appropriate behavioral health professionals, including providers trained in trauma, grief, and disaster-related stress.
• Ensure that materials and referrals are culturally responsive, accessible to people with disabilities, and available in the languages used by the affected community.
• Establish procedures for families to request additional assistance if symptoms emerge or intensify after initial recovery services end.