Child Reunification Considerations for Communities
12. Appendices
12.14. Appendix N: FRC Safety & Security Checklist for Children
This checklist ensures that all areas where children may be present are operated with both physical and emotional safety in mind.
| Section 1: Community Education Partners |
| ☐ Single controlled point of entry and exit, monitored by FRC staff or security ☐ Clearly designated zones for different age groups:
☐ Sufficient space for supervised play, minimizing risk of injury from running or overcrowding ☐ Age-appropriate toys free of choking hazards and regularly sanitized ☐ Covered electrical outlets and secured cords ☐ Furniture free of sharp corners; corners padded where needed ☐ Hot water temperature regulated to prevent scalding ☐ Running hot and cold water available ☐ Diaper-changing area with privacy and sanitation supplies ☐ Clean, accessible bathrooms suitable for various age groups ☐ Trash storage with child-safe, lidded receptacles ☐ Overflow space identified and ready for surge operations |
| Section 2: Intake and Registration Area |
| ☐ Controlled entry with security or greeter presence ☐ Age-appropriate seating and distractions available (e.g., books, toys) ☐ Visual privacy and quiet space for children with sensory needs ☐ Child-friendly signage and visual aids for non-verbal or developmentally delayed children ☐ Language access and interpreter services available ☐ Wristbands or ID tags linked to intake documentation ☐ Protocols in place to identify unaccompanied minors and trigger safeguarding process |
| Section 3: Waiting Areas (General or Family) |
| ☐ Supervision zones clearly defined and monitored ☐ Soft seating or floor space for children to rest or play ☐ Safe distance from exits or hazardous areas (e.g., kitchens, storage) ☐ Behavioral health staff or child life specialists accessible for children in distress ☐ Access to basic supplies (blankets, snacks, water, comfort items) |
| Section 4: Pediatric Medical & Isolation Zones |
| ☐ Child-sized equipment and seating ☐ Privacy screens and visual barriers where appropriate ☐ Appropriately trained pediatric staff and volunteers ☐ Basic pediatric first aid kit and PPE available ☐ Clean surfaces and protocols for toy/equipment disinfection ☐ Protocols for managing infectious symptoms while minimizing trauma |
| Section 5: Behavioral Health and Psychosocial Support Area |
| ☐ Quiet, calm space away from high-traffic areas ☐ Staff trained in trauma-informed approaches with children ☐ Visual aids, fidget items, and calming activities available ☐ Privacy for one-on-one support or group coping sessions ☐ Clear, developmentally appropriate communication tools for children in crisis |
| Section 6: Feeding/Nutrition Area |
| ☐ Designated spaces for feeding children of all ages. ☐ Access to refrigeration and handwashing stations that are child appropriate. ☐ Safe storage for all food including formula, baby food, and allergen-free options ☐ Seating appropriate for children and caregivers ☐ Adult supervision during all meal and snack times |
| Section 7: Restrooms and Hygiene Stations |
| ☐ Located near areas with children and have visible signage ☐ Accessible to children of all ages, with child-sized features when possible ☐ Changing tables with sanitizing supplies and waste disposal ☐ PPE and hand hygiene stations adjacent to restroom entry/exit |
| Section 8: Transition and Release |
| ☐ Secured child release area with custody verification protocols ☐ Visual and verbal ID matching between child and caregiver ☐ Trained staff or caseworkers to support reunification discussions ☐ Privacy and emotional support available for high-stress releases ☐ Documentation maintained for all child releases or transitions |
A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.