Child Reunification Considerations for Communities
8. Additional Resources
8.2. Public Assistance, Information Gathering, and Dissemination Resources
Information Collection and Public Communication
These resources support the collection, validation, and timely sharing of accurate information. Effective communication can help locate children and families, support reunification, reduce misinformation, and keep the public informed throughout operations.
Public Information Officers
- Coordinate consistent messaging across participating organizations.
- Verify information before public release.
- Monitor misinformation and coordinate rumor-control activities.
- Provide accessible, culturally responsive, and multilingual information.
Child-Serving Organizations
The following organizations may hold information that supports child identification, location, and family matching:
- Schools and school districts
- Childcare facilities and preschools
- Community and family support centers
- Independent youth, recreation, camp, and scout programs
Family Assistance Center Communication Resources
Family Assistance Centers may use multiple communication channels to receive inquiries and provide verified information, including:
- 2-1-1 or another designated community information service
- A dedicated call center or hotline
- A dedicated, accessible website
- Approved text-message or notification systems
For an example script that can be modified to suit your call center, please see Appendix O: Call Center Script.
Media and Social Media
Local media and approved social media channels can distribute reunification information quickly. Their use should be coordinated through established public-information procedures.
Social Media Considerations
- Protect children’s and families’ privacy.
- Align messaging with local reunification procedures and applicable legal requirements.
- Maintain ethical information-sharing practices during disasters.
- Avoid publishing identifying information or images unless release is authorized through approved procedures.
- Direct families to verified information sources and discourage the spread of unconfirmed information.
Use Appendix R: Guidance for Families Regarding Social Media to help families navigate social media during disasters