Child Reunification Considerations for Communities

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.

1.1. Navigating This Toolkit

Overview

Welcome to this multimedia open access edition of the Child Reunification Considerations for Communities

This content is available as a digital toolkit in two formats:

1) Website, which you are currently reading. This format offers a mobile friendly multimedia experience with sharable links to chapters and subchapters. There are three ways to move through the toolkit:

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1.2. Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals who contributed to the development of this toolkit:

• Abby Bailey, MPA, NRP, Norton Children’s Hospital Hub Site/Pediatric Pandemic Network
• Brigitte French, CA-PEM, IAEM-CEM, DVM, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital/Pediatric Pandemic Network
• Nita Gupta, MD, Children’s Minnesota
• Ashley Liebre, MPH, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University
• David C. McCarthy, BA, NREMT (Ret), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital/Pediatric Pandemic Network, Emergency Preparedness Solutions LLC
• Irene L. Navis, AICP, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital/Pediatric Pandemic Network, CBRN Domain
• Mike Peoples, American Red Cross
• Rebekah H. Reynosa, MS, CEM, MEP, CHEP, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital (2017–2024); Penn State Health (2024–Present)
• Alison Schonwald, MD, Touchstone Neurodevelopmental Center; Department of Pediatrics, Cambridge Health Alliance
• Joseph M. Urrea, CEM, MEP, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Emergency Management
• Regina Yaskey, MD, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital
• Joseph Zaydel, FEMA

Editors

• Brittni Blaser, MIHMEP, MoCEM II, Children’s Mercy Kansas City
• Rachel Mazzara, MPH, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
• Kristy Deutschmann, BS, Pediatric Pandemic Network
• Sarita Chung, MD, Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital; Harvard Medical School
• Anna Lin, MD, FAAP, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health

Pilot Organizations

We would also like to thank the organizations that helped pilot this toolkit. Their teams reviewed the content, provided valuable feedback, and implemented recommended best practices. We are extremely grateful for their contributions.

St. Louis Area Regional Response System

Pilot contact: Shelley Brandt

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Pilot contacts: Tammy Goodhue and Benjamin Palmere

1.3. Overview

Purpose

This toolkit provides guidance for disaster management organizations and other groups involved in community reunification following a disaster. These guidelines do not replace existing plans. They are intended to strengthen those plans and ensure that new and existing plans address the needs of children.

Scope

Designed for planning sessions, training, and meetings, this toolkit addresses key considerations for safely and effectively reuniting children with their families, guardians, or caregivers.

The toolkit:

• Highlights children’s unique vulnerabilities and developmental needs.
• Promotes open communication among stakeholders.
• Helps communities identify gaps in preparedness.
• Offers practical strategies for creating safe spaces and protocols for unaccompanied minors.

Through practical guidance, promising practices, and examples drawn from real-world experiences, this toolkit equips communities with information and tools to protect vulnerable children during emergencies.

Communities can incorporate this material into Family Assistance Center plans, reunification plans, emergency operations plans, or other relevant planning documents.

Understanding This Toolkit

Community leaders, emergency responders, medical personnel, social service agencies, law enforcement personnel, and other stakeholders are encouraged to:

• Understand the unique challenges children face during disasters.
• Use data-informed tools to assess local child-specific needs.
• Engage openly with stakeholders to clarify roles and coordinate efforts.
• Apply relevant examples and promising practices from the toolkit.
• Adapt strategies to the community’s characteristics, needs, and available resources.
• Regularly review, exercise, and update plans to remain responsive to changing needs.

The guidance is designed to be scalable and flexible so it can support communities of different sizes, structures, and resource levels.

By applying these recommendations, communities can develop comprehensive, compassionate, and effective child-informed reunification plans that protect children’s safety and well-being during and after emergencies.

1.4. Background

2. Planning Process

Building a Coordinated Community Response

Emergencies, particularly those involving children, require a localized and interconnected response. To effectively meet children’s needs following a large-scale emergency, communities must establish a strong foundation of trust, communication, and collaboration among response partners.

This foundation should be established before a disaster occurs through strong relationships among government agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), health care systems, schools, child-serving organizations, and private-sector partners.

Child-focused subject matter experts should be included in the earliest planning discussions. Their involvement helps communities identify the specialized capabilities, resources, safeguards, and developmental considerations needed when responding to children.

Start with Appendix A

Begin with Appendix A: Child Reunification Checklist and Worksheet. It provides key considerations for child-focused reunification planning and a baseline assessment of the capabilities in your community’s current plan.

2.1. Identify Key Stakeholders – Child Reunification Focus Group

2.2. Assess Existing Local, State, and Regional Plans

Integrating Child Reunification into Existing Plans

Reuniting children with their families requires specialized expertise, detailed planning, and coordination among multiple organizations. A community may already have reunification plans, but those plans may address adults and children together or apply only to a particular jurisdiction, agency, adult medical center, or local hospital.

Child-specific reunification procedures should be integrated into these existing frameworks. This process requires careful alignment and, when necessary, revisions to current plans, policies, and operational procedures.

Emergency managers and stakeholders responsible for existing plans should participate throughout the integration process. Their involvement helps ensure that the community plan is comprehensive, operationally feasible, and capable of supporting a coordinated response for children and families.

Use Appendix C: Identifying Gaps and Existing Elements in Child Reunification to assess current capabilities, identify missing child-specific considerations, and determine where existing plans require revision.

2.3. Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities

Defining Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each child-focused group member to ensure a coordinated effort centered on children’s needs. Assign team leaders or coordinators to oversee the reunification process, support accountability, and facilitate communication among stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the needs of children and families.
• Develop child-centered protocols and procedures.
• Provide specialized training and resources.
• Coordinate activities and information sharing among all agencies involved in reunification planning.

Additional guidance is available in Appendix B: Community Stakeholders for Child Reunification Focus Group Worksheet.

2.4. Foster Collaboration and Communication

Maintaining Communication and Collaboration

Encourage regular communication and collaboration across the broader community of child-serving organizations and caregivers. Relevant stakeholders may include:

• Faith-based organizations
• Foster care and congregate care agencies
• Children and families
• Hospitals and health care systems
• Schools and school districts
• Childcare and early childhood education providers
• Camps, scout programs, and youth recreation organizations
• Other local child-serving partners

Establish recurring meetings to review progress, exchange information, clarify responsibilities, and address challenges. Create an environment that supports open dialogue, active listening, and respect for different perspectives.

Use appropriate technology and communication platforms to support timely collaboration, particularly when team members are geographically dispersed. Establish backup communication methods in case primary systems are unavailable during an emergency.

Include all relevant stakeholders in plan development, scheduled reviews, drills, exercises, evaluations, and improvement planning.

2.5. Continuous Education and Training

Ongoing Education, Training, and Exercises

Ongoing education and training help planning team members remain informed about current research, promising practices, policies, procedures, and child-specific disaster considerations.

Planning team members should:

• Participate in relevant local training and disaster exercises.
• Conduct joint drills with hospitals, emergency management agencies, and other child-serving organizations.
• Practice incorporating children’s developmental, medical, behavioral, and functional needs into response procedures.
• Evaluate performance after each exercise and incorporate lessons learned into plans, procedures, and future training.

Joint training and exercises strengthen communication, clarify responsibilities, identify planning gaps, and improve each stakeholder’s understanding of their role during a disaster.

2.6. Evaluate and Adapt

Continuous Evaluation and Improvement

Regularly evaluate the Child Reunification Focus Group’s membership, capabilities, and areas of responsibility to identify missing components, resources, or subject matter expertise.

After drills, exercises, activations, and real-world incidents, review the reunification plan to confirm that it includes all essential child-focused considerations and capabilities.

Evaluation Activities

• Review focus group membership and identify missing subject matter experts.
• Assess whether the plan addresses children’s developmental, medical, behavioral, communication, accessibility, and safety needs.
• Gather feedback from team members, children and families, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Document strengths, gaps, corrective actions, responsible parties, and completion timelines.
• Update strategies, protocols, and training based on lessons learned and emerging promising practices.

Improvements identified through child reunification planning should also be incorporated into broader reunification procedures whenever they can strengthen the response for all affected individuals and families.

3. Identifying Needs of Children in the Community Prior to Disasters

Understanding Children’s Needs

Effective reunification planning begins with a comprehensive understanding of the children and families within the community. During a disaster, existing medical, developmental, behavioral, communication, accessibility, and social needs may become more complex or difficult to address.

Communities should assess the demographics, needs, available resources, and potential scale and scope of a reunification event. This information can guide the development of targeted, responsive strategies that address children’s unique needs throughout the reunification process.

A clear understanding of the community’s child population helps planners anticipate resource needs, identify service gaps, and develop safer, more effective reunification procedures for children and families.

3.1. Collect Demographic Data

3.2. Analyze Scale and Scope

Analyzing the Scale and Scope of Community Needs

Analyze the scale and scope of identified needs to understand the challenges children and families may face during reunification. Consider both current community conditions and how a large-scale emergency could increase or complicate those needs.

Key Areas for Analysis

• The number of children who may require reunification services.
• The prevalence of specific medical, behavioral, developmental, communication, or functional needs.
• The severity and urgency of identified challenges.
• Geographic concentrations of children and child-serving facilities.
• Existing gaps in services, staffing, equipment, transportation, or support.
• The capacity of current community resources to meet increased demand.

Use the findings to estimate the personnel, facilities, supplies, services, partnerships, and interventions needed to support safe and effective child reunification.

A clear understanding of both demand and current capacity enables communities to prioritize planning gaps and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact.

3.3. Prioritize and Develop Strategies

Prioritizing Needs and Developing an Action Plan

Use the collected data and stakeholder input to prioritize identified needs and develop targeted strategies. Consider the urgency and potential impact of each need, the number of children affected, and the consequences of leaving the need unaddressed.

Review available resources, existing programs, current capabilities, and opportunities for collaboration. Whenever possible, strengthen and connect existing systems instead of creating duplicative processes.

Action Plan Components

• Clearly defined priority need or planning gap
• Specific actions required to address the need
• Lead and supporting organizations
• Responsible individuals or teams
• Required personnel, funding, equipment, and other resources
• Target dates and implementation milestones
• Potential barriers and mitigation strategies
• Measures for evaluating progress and outcomes
• A process for reviewing and updating the action plan

An effective action plan assigns ownership, establishes realistic timelines, and defines how the community will determine whether each strategy improves child reunification capabilities.

4. Child-Specific Considerations

Planning for the Needs of All Children

Community reunification plans should address the distinct needs and challenges of the different child populations within the community. Planning should account for differences in age, development, health, disability, communication, culture, language, family structure, legal status, and access to resources.

Child-informed planning helps ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, can receive appropriate support and be safely reunified with a verified parent, guardian, caregiver, or other authorized custodial adult during or after an emergency.

4.1. Trusted “Safe Person”

Identifying a Trusted Safe Person or Entity

A trusted safe person or safe entity can play an important role in protecting children during reunification. This designation may refer to an authorized family member, close family friend, caregiver, trained professional, or child-serving organization capable of providing a secure and supportive environment.

Communities should establish standardized procedures for verifying the identity, authority, and suitability of any person or organization receiving a child. Procedures should comply with applicable laws, custody arrangements, agency policies, and child-protection requirements.

Key Considerations

• Verify the individual’s identity and authority to receive the child.
• Confirm the relationship between the individual and the child.
• Review available custody restrictions and protective orders.
• Complete required screening or vetting procedures.
• Confirm that the individual or entity can meet the child’s immediate safety, medical, developmental, communication, and emotional needs.
• Document the verification and release process.

A child should be released only after the receiving person’s identity and authority have been verified through the community’s approved reunification procedures.

4.2. Community Considerations

Identifying Community Resources and Partnerships

Community organizations can provide guidance, resources, advocacy, and direct support during reunification. Potential partners include local child welfare agencies, the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, family support centers, and other nonprofit or community-based organizations.

Collaboration with these organizations can help families access the services and support needed to navigate the reunification process. Each organization’s role, authority, capabilities, and vetting requirements should be established before an emergency.

Use Appendix D: Identifying Resources for Children Worksheet to assess resources and partnerships across urban, suburban, rural, tribal, and faith-based communities.

Key Resource Considerations

• Educational partnerships: Identify opportunities to collaborate with the Bureau of Indian Education, tribal school districts, public and private schools, charter and parochial schools, early childhood programs, and homeschool networks.
• Health care capacity: Assess the availability of pediatric primary care, emergency care, trauma services, behavioral health care, specialty care, urgent care, and hospital services.
• Emergency medical readiness: Assess whether emergency medical services personnel have pediatric-specific training, equipment, protocols, and medical direction.
• Child protective services and child welfare: Identify the agencies responsible for child protection, emergency placement, family support, and legal custody determinations.

Tribal Community Considerations

Planning should be conducted in partnership with tribal leadership and relevant tribal authorities. Additional considerations may include:

• Determining whether a tribal enrollment or membership office can assist with verifying registered members.
• Identifying the governing body or court with authority to determine legal custody of a child.
• Confirming whether the tribe has a designated child health, child welfare, emergency management, or family reunification leader.
• Identifying applicable tribal laws, customs, communication protocols, and data-sharing requirements.

Completing the worksheet can help jurisdictions assess readiness, strengthen partnerships, identify resource gaps, and ensure reunification centers are prepared to meet children’s unique needs.

4.3. Unique / Special Population Needs

Children with Disabilities and Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

Civil rights laws protect children with disabilities and support access to reasonable accommodations, health care, and specialized services. Community reunification plans should address the needs of children with disabilities and children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).

Key Actions

• Maintain access to health care support, medications, treatments, and specialized services.
• Provide reasonable accommodations, including accessible transportation, medical equipment and supplies, mobility aids, and other assistive devices.
• Develop communication strategies tailored to each child’s language, developmental level, sensory needs, and preferred communication method.
• Create low-stress environments that account for sensory sensitivities and the need for quiet or reduced-stimulation spaces.
• Collaborate with caregivers and specialists familiar with the child’s disabilities, chronic health conditions, developmental needs, and established care plan.
• Plan for accessible toileting, feeding, refrigeration, charging, backup power, and safe storage of medications and equipment.

Children with Behavioral Health Needs

Before reunification, children may display a range of expected stress reactions, from emotional and behavioral changes to physical symptoms. Mental and behavioral health resources are important for supporting children’s well-being throughout the reunification process.

Staff guidance and support resources are available in Appendix Q: FRC Child-Focused Resources for Staff.

Key Considerations

• Traumatic experiences may increase a child’s need for reassurance, stability, and behavioral health support.
• Emotional distress and anxiety may require developmentally appropriate coping and regulation strategies.
• Loss and grief involving loved ones, homes, pets, belongings, or familiar surroundings should be acknowledged and addressed.
• Disruption of family, school, peer, and community support systems may affect a child’s adjustment and recovery.
• Children with persistent, severe, or escalating reactions may require additional assessment and referral to a qualified behavioral health professional.

Reunification support should be individualized, trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and coordinated with the child’s caregiver and existing care team whenever possible.

5. Raise Awareness, Communicate, Educate, and Drill

Building Awareness and Understanding

Community reunification planning should include education about child-specific considerations and how they affect reunification operations. All participating organizations should understand children’s unique needs during emergencies and the role each partner plays in supporting them.

Open, respectful conversations led by trusted child-focused professionals can uncover challenges that may not be apparent in written plans. Planning discussions should address practical factors such as:

• Appropriate staffing levels and staff qualifications
• Expected response and reunification timelines
• Child-focused facilities, supplies, and support services
• Developmentally appropriate communication
• Custody verification and child-release procedures
• Coordination with child-serving organizations

Addressing these factors supports collaborative planning that can adapt to the changing needs of children and families.

Community Education and Outreach

Child-focused preparedness can be strengthened through existing education and outreach programs. Communication methods and materials should be accessible to all families, including people with limited English proficiency and individuals with access and functional needs identified through community assessments.

Potential outreach partners include:

• Emergency management agencies
• Public health departments
• Schools serving students from prekindergarten through high school, including homeschool networks
• Childcare centers, preschools, and early childhood programs
• Foster care and child welfare agencies
• Community and family support centers
• Health care coalitions, hospitals, and health systems
• Law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services
• Traditional and social media organizations

Coordinating Public Messaging

Coordinated outreach is essential to educate the public and emergency responders about child reunification procedures. Engaging organizational leaders and public information or communication officers before an emergency helps ensure that messages are accurate, consistent, accessible, and trusted.

Use Appendix E: Reunification Tips for Families to support consistent public education and family preparedness messaging.

Integrating Children into Drills and Exercises

Community drills and exercises should include child-focused considerations. Scenario-based training allows partners to validate responsibilities, test coordination, and identify operational gaps involving:

• Unaccompanied minors
• Identity and custody verification
• Child supervision and safe-area operations
• Accessible and developmentally appropriate communication
• Children with disabilities or special health care needs
• Coordination with child welfare and other child-serving agencies
• Safe release and documentation procedures

After-action reviews should specifically evaluate these child-focused issues. Assign corrective actions, responsible parties, and completion timelines, and incorporate improvements into the reunification plan.

Use Appendix F: Integrating Unaccompanied Minors in Exercises to incorporate child reunification considerations into exercise design, evaluation, and improvement planning.

6. Operationalization of Reunification Practices for Children

6.1. Considerations for Children in the Community Family Reunification Center

Child-Focused Family Reunification Center Operations

Children of all ages must be considered in every aspect of Family Reunification Center (FRC) operations. This includes the physical layout, staffing model, registration, intake, tracking, reunification, release, and closure procedures.

Integrating child-specific considerations protects physical and emotional safety, supports identity and custody verification, and helps maintain continuity of care in a highly stressful environment.

Staffing and Volunteers

FRC staffing should account for the additional supervision and care children require. Staffing plans should use appropriate adult-to-child ratios based on children’s ages, developmental levels, disabilities, medical needs, and the complexity of the incident.

Staff and volunteers must be vetted according to applicable state and local safety, credentialing, and child-protection requirements. Screening may include:

• Identity and credential verification
• Criminal background checks
• Fingerprinting
• Child abuse and neglect registry checks
• Professional license or certification verification
• Other locally required screening

Emergency authorities may permit modified procedures under a disaster declaration. Even under emergency conditions, the responsible agencies should make every reasonable effort to verify the safety, suitability, and authority of individuals assigned to supervise children.

Related resources:

• Appendix I: FRC Child-Focused Staff Job Action Sheets
• Appendix J: Recommended Staff-to-Child Ratios

Registration

Accurate collection of information from parents, guardians, caregivers, and referring agencies is essential. Registration procedures should capture unique identifiers that support positive identification, matching, and custody verification.

Relevant documentation may include:

• Government-issued identification
• Child identification cards or school records
• Birth certificates
• Custody or guardianship documents
• Court orders or protective orders
• Medical or social service records

Related resource: Appendix K: Guardian Registration Form

Intake of Unaccompanied Minors

Use a secure, developmentally appropriate intake area that is separate from public registration and reunification areas. Intake staff should:

• Document identifying information and the child’s place of origin.
• Take an identification photograph according to approved procedures.
• Assign a unique tracking identification number.
• Assess immediate medical, behavioral, developmental, communication, and access and functional needs.
• Document belongings, medications, equipment, and accompanying records.
• Arrange age- and need-appropriate supervision while keeping family and/or sibling groups together whenever safely possible.

Related resources:

• Appendix L: Child Intake Form
• Appendix M: Reunification Pathway

Tracking

Assign each unaccompanied minor a unique tracking identifier at intake, such as a barcode wristband or numbered identification tag. The identifier should remain with the child and be used to document movement between authorized locations.

Tracking systems should be simple, secure, reliable, and capable of supporting clear handoffs among staff. Recommended data elements include:

• Wristband, barcode, or other unique identifier
• Place of origin, such as an incident site, shelter, or transport source
• Current status and location within the facility
• Time-stamped movement and staff handoff records
• Disposition information, including reunification or transfer details
• Photograph of the child for authorized visual identification
• Photograph of the potential caregiver, when permitted and appropriate, linked to the child’s record
• Caregiver identification and contact information

Handle tracking records according to privacy, confidentiality, records retention, and data-protection requirements. Limit access to authorized personnel with an operational need to know.

Safety and Security

Child-friendly spaces must be welcoming and physically secure. Monitor all entrances and exits, require staff and volunteers to display identification, and limit access to children to authorized and appropriately vetted personnel.

These areas may be located within a Family Assistance Center, FRC, or emergency shelter and may be operated by government staff, contracted childcare providers, or trained volunteers. Personnel should sign in and out and comply with facility access-control procedures.

• Prevent unauthorized access to child-care and intake areas.
• Do not permit unauthorized media access to children.
• Monitor and document all child movement and authorized transfers.
• Release children only through approved procedures after identity, authority, and custody have been verified.
• Coordinate disputed or uncertain cases with child welfare, law enforcement, legal counsel, or the court with jurisdiction, as required.

Related resource: Appendix N: FRC Safety and Security Checklist for Children

Communication and Information Sharing

Communication procedures should support timely, sensitive, and accurate information sharing about children. Staff should be trained to relay authorized updates about a child’s location, condition, and reunification status.

Information provided to families should be trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, accessible, and consistent with applicable privacy requirements.

Scripts and public messaging should explain:

• Where and how families can search for a child
• What information and documentation families will need to provide
• What families should expect during verification and reunification
• Why verification procedures are necessary for child safety
• How the public can support reunification without spreading misinformation

Related resources:

• Appendix O: Call Center Script
• Appendix P: Public Messaging Scripts Regarding Unaccompanied Minors
• Appendix Q: FRC Child-Focused Resources for Staff
• Appendix R: Guidance for Families Regarding Social Media

Matching and Verification

Use a structured, child-centered process to match unaccompanied minors with a custodial parent, legal guardian, caregiver, or other legally authorized adult. Verification should combine intake records, supporting documents, and visual or verbal confirmation.

Legal custody or other authority to receive the child should be verified before release. An established ethical and legal framework can support consistent decisions and reduce risk.

See the bibliography for the Region V for Kids Ethical Framework for Family Reunification and the WRAP-EM Legal Guide.

Identity Verification

• Interview the child for verbal or self-identification when developmentally appropriate.
• Use approved identifiers such as photographs, safe words, school records, medical records, and legally authorized biometric methods.
• Cross-check identity using birth certificates, custody orders, court documents, social service records, or other reliable documentation.

Matching Criteria

• Confirm the child’s legal custody arrangement before the disaster.
• Prioritize reunification with a verified parent or legal guardian unless a legal or safety barrier exists.
• If a parent or guardian is unavailable, consider another authorized relative or caregiver who presents sufficient legal documentation.
• Account for disabilities, special health care needs, and sibling relationships when making placement and reunification decisions.

Custody Verification

• Confirm custody through available court orders, custody agreements, guardianship records, and other authoritative documentation.
• When custody is disputed or unclear, maintain the child in an authorized safe placement and consult child welfare, law enforcement, legal counsel, or the court with jurisdiction.
• Address interstate jurisdictional issues under applicable law, including the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).

Chain-of-Custody Principles

• Document every authorized transfer, including the date, time, location, releasing staff member, and receiving individual.
• Use secure paper logs or electronic records.
• Maintain documented supervision and custody until reunification or an authorized transfer is complete.
• Do not release a child without documented verification and approval.

Sibling Reunification

Identify and reunite siblings together whenever safely and legally possible. Intake and registration forms should include prompts for sibling relationships. Staff should cross-reference this information throughout the matching process to prevent unnecessary separation and support emotional stability.

Special Circumstances

When a parent or guardian is deceased, incapacitated, missing, or otherwise unavailable, notify child protective services or the equivalent child welfare authority according to local procedures.

The responsible authority may:

• Arrange or assume temporary protective custody when legally authorized.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and FRC leadership.
• Verify guardianship and determine whether protective custody is needed.
• Arrange safe placement until an authorized caregiver is identified and verified.

Physical Space

FRC design should account for children’s developmental, medical, behavioral, accessibility, and supervision needs. Provide age-appropriate waiting, intake, care, play, feeding, toileting, quiet, and reunification areas.

When operations span multiple locations, prioritize keeping family and sibling groups together whenever safely possible. This supports emotional security, simplifies verification, and reduces trauma caused by unnecessary separation.

Related resources:

• Appendix S: Unaccompanied Minor Safe Area Location Assessment Tool
• Appendix T: FRC Supply List for Child-Focused Operations
  
  • Unaccompanied Minor Safe Area
  • Reunification Area

Agreements with Partner Organizations

Establish written agreements with essential partners before an incident. Agreements should clarify roles, staffing, credentialing, resource support, information sharing, privacy protections, reimbursement, liability, and activation procedures.

Anticipatory Guidance for Families

Provide caregivers with follow-up information, behavioral health referrals, community resources, and developmentally appropriate educational materials to help children understand and process the event.

Related resource: Appendix U: Mental Health Post-Disaster Resources for Children

6.2. Operational Integration of Child-Focused Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

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

This section outlines recovery-phase operational guidance for reunification efforts involving children. Effective recovery planning ensures that the needs of children are not overlooked once immediate reunification activities conclude.

7.1. Demobilization of Child-Focused Reunification Resources

7.2. Inclusion of Child-Focused Operations in Hot Wash and Debrief Activities

Capturing Child-Focused Feedback

Child-specific observations and feedback should be systematically captured during post-operational reviews. Findings should document strengths, challenges, unmet needs, and corrective actions related to child reunification operations.

Hot Wash: Immediately Following Operations

• Include response personnel, behavioral health staff, registration and intake staff, child advocates, and child-focused subject matter experts.
• Gather feedback about intake flow, identity and custody verification, tracking tools, handoffs, communication, supervision, and release procedures.
• Identify barriers experienced by children and families with additional needs, including children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN), children with disabilities, tribal children, and families with limited English proficiency.
• Document urgent issues that require immediate corrective action or follow-up.

Debrief: Within 1–2 Weeks

• Conduct dedicated child-operations breakout discussions, interviews, or surveys to gather more detailed feedback.
• Engage external child-serving partners, including hospitals, child protective services, schools, childcare providers, tribal liaisons, and behavioral health organizations.
• Review data, documentation, and unresolved cases to identify recurring issues and system-level gaps.
• Assign corrective actions, responsible organizations, and completion timelines.

Use Appendix W: Hot Wash and Debrief Guide—Child Operations to structure feedback collection and improvement planning.

7.3. Child-Focused After-Action Review and Plan Improvement

7.4. Mental Health and Psychosocial Recovery for Children and Families

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.

Use Appendix U: Mental Health Post-Disaster Resources for Children to provide families with recovery information and connections to follow-up support.

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.

Follow-up should respect privacy requirements, caregiver preferences, and applicable consent procedures while maintaining clear pathways to continued support.

8. Additional Resources

8.1. Safety and Security Resources for Missing Children and Unaccompanied Minors

8.2. Public Assistance, Information Gathering, and Dissemination Resources

8.3. Physical Pediatric Health Resources

8.4. Disaster Mental Health

8.5. Non-Government Organizations

9. Acronyms

10. Definitions

11. Bibliography

• American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians, Emergency Nurses Association, National Association of EMS Physicians, National Association of EMTs, Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC). Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project Checklist.
• Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Public Health Association, National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. Childcare.gov. Ratios and Group Sizes: Day Care Ratio Recommendations.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Disaster Medicine. Pediatric Reunification Toolkit: Family Reunification Following Disasters – A Planning Tool for Health Care Facilities. 2018.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Participation of Children and Adolescents in Live Crisis Drills and Exercises. Pediatrics. 2020;146(3):e2020015503.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Pediatric Tabletop Exercise Resource Kit.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Talking With Children About Disasters. HealthyChildren.org.
• American Red cross. Helping Children Cope with Disaster.
• Autism Behavior Services, Inc. Social Stories.
• Autism Little Learners. Social Stories for School.
• Brumberg EH, Chung S. Reuniting with your child after a disaster: 10 planning tips. American Academy of Pediatrics. HealthyChildren.org.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) (2015). Backpack emergency card.
• Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Child Intake Form.
• Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Guardian Registration Form.
• Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Helping Kids Navigate After a Tragedy.
• Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Reunification Tabletop Exercise Materials.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Youth and Emergency Planning.
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
• Ready.gov. Ready Kids.
• Ready.gov. Coping with Disaster for Kids.
• Region V for Kids. Ethical Framework for Family Reunification
• Region V for Kids. Family Reunification
• Region V for Kids. Regional Metrics Scorecard.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC).
• TherapyWorks. Why & How to Use Visual Schedules.
• Western Regional Alliance for Pediatric Emergency Management. Legal Resource Guide

12. Appendices

The list below provides an overview of the appendices included in this toolkit. Each appendix offers tools, templates, guidance, or reference materials to assist communities in planning, operating, and evaluating child-focused reunification efforts.

• Appendix A: Child Reunification Planning Checklist and Worksheet
  Provides a structured framework to ensure the needs of children are fully integrated into reunification planning.
• Appendix B: Community Stakeholders for Child Reunification Focus Group Worksheet
  Helps identify and organize key community stakeholders involved in child reunification planning. Supports the formation of a focus group to ensure coordinated, child-focused preparedness and response.
• Appendix C: Identifying Gaps and Existing Elements in Child Reunification
  Supports review of local, regional, or state reunification plans with a focus on children. Offers a method to assess child-specific plan elements and identify actionable improvements.
• Appendix D: Identifying Resources for Children Worksheet
  Guides communities in identifying and coordinating specific resources for children, capturing capacity, gaps, and planning needs across multiple sectors.
• Appendix E: Reunification Tips for Families
  Tips for families to prepare for emergencies and reduce separation time during reunification efforts.
• Appendix F: Integrating Unaccompanied Minors Scenarios in Reunification Training and Exercises
  Safety guidance and tools (scenarios, player cards) for including unaccompanied minors in preparedness exercises.
• Appendix G: FRC ICS Organizational Chart
  Shows how child-focused staff fit into the Family Reunification Center (FRC) Incident Command Structure to support children’s needs.
• Appendix H: FRC ICS Child Reunification Group Supervisor Job Action Sheet
  Provides guidance for the supervisor in coordinating child-focused reunification activities.
• Appendix I: FRC Child-Focused Staff Job Action Sheet
  Guides staff in supporting safe and efficient reunification of children with guardians within the FRC.
• Appendix J: Recommended Staff: Child Ratio and Group Size: Child Care Center
  General guidance on staff-to-child ratios and group sizes, with reference to state and territorial licensing requirements.
• Appendix K: Guardian Registration Form
  Template to collect essential information from guardians during a response.
• Appendix L: Child Intake Form
  Template to collect identifying information for unaccompanied minors at the FRC.
• Appendix M: Reunification Pathway
  Flowchart illustrating operational steps for reunification efforts involving unaccompanied minors.
• Appendix N: FRC Safety & Security Checklist for Children
  Checklist to ensure all areas where children may be present meet physical and emotional safety standards.
• Appendix O: Call Center Script
  Sample script for call line staff assisting parents or guardians in reporting or locating children.
• Appendix P: Public Messaging Scripts Regarding Unaccompanied Minors
  Sample messaging for public communication after a disaster, adaptable for press releases, social media, and websites.
• Appendix Q: FRC Child-Focused Resources for Staff
  Provides staff with child-focused tools to support reunification operations.
• Appendix R: Guidance for Families Regarding Social Media
  Tips for families to safely share information during reunification operations, prioritizing children’s safety and privacy.
• Appendix S: UMSA Location Assessment Tool
  Checklist to identify strengths and gaps before activation, ensuring the site can safely support children during operations
• Appendix T: FRC Supply List for Child-Focused Operations
  Supplemental supply checklist highlighting additional equipment needed to support child-centered operations.
• Appendix U: Mental Health Post-Disaster Resources for Children
  Provides post-incident resources for families, including mental health and recovery support.
• Appendix V: Demobilization Criteria for Child-Focused Operations
  Signals that child-focused services may no longer be required, and the environment is stable for demobilization planning.
• Appendix W: Hot Wash and Debrief Guide – Child Operations
  Guide for structured debrief discussions following child-focused operations, with facilitator prompts for reflection and observation.
• Appendix X: Child-Focused After-Action Report and Improvement Plan
  Analyzes lessons learned from child-focused FRC operations and guides improvement planning
• Appendix Y: Additional Resources
  Provides staff with references and supplemental tools to support child-focused reunification operations
• Appendix Z: Additional Resources
  I Love U Guys

12.1. Appendix A: Child Reunification Planning Checklist and Worksheet

A score card for the Community Reunification Planning Checklist can be found here.

This worksheet provides community planners with a structured framework to ensure the needs of children are fully integrated into reunification planning.

A downloadable version of this appendix checklist is available here and appendix worksheet is available here.

12.2. Appendix B: Community Stakeholders for Children Reunification Focus Group Worksheet

This tool helps identify and organize key community stakeholders involved in reunification planning for children. It supports the formation of a Children Reunification Focus Group by outlining sector-specific contacts and roles to ensure coordinated, child-focused preparedness and response.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.3. Appendix C: Identifying Gaps and Existing Elements in Child Reunification

This worksheet supports the review of existing local, regional, or state reunification plans with a focus on considerations for children. It provides a structured method to assess the maturity of child-specific elements and identify actionable next steps to improve reunification planning.

Scoring Key:
0 – Not addressed
1 – Mentioned, not detailed or child-specific
2 – Addressed, partially child-inclusive
3 – Fully developed and child-specific

Multi-select questions: Maximum score of 1, regardless of the number of options selected.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.4. Appendix D: Identifying Resources for Children Worksheet

This worksheet supports the identification and coordination of specific resources for children in preparation for establishing a Family Reunification Center. It guides communities in capturing capacity, gaps, and planning needs across multiple sectors.

Section 1: Community Education Partners

Identify applicable educational systems in your community and note whether they are engaged in reunification planning.

Section 2: Pediatric Health Care Infrastructure

Document the pediatric medical resources available and their capabilities. Then use the Pediatric Readiness Checklist as a quick reference tool to evaluate whether your EMS agency is prepared to care for children in alignment with national recommendations.

Section 3: Child Welfare & Protective Services

Identify child welfare resources and oversight bodies in the community.

• How is cross-jurisdictional custody handled?
• Are systems in place to determine legal custody quickly?
• Integrated into reunification planning?

Section 4: Tribal Community Considerations for Children

Use this section if your community includes tribal partners or jurisdictions.

Section 5: Children with Special Population Needs

Document the available resources and their capabilities for special populations.

Section 6: Community Engagement for Children during Reunification Summary

Summarize the overall readiness and gaps in community resources for children for reunification planning.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.5. Appendix E: Reunification Tips for Families

The following tips can be shared with families to help them prepare and reduce separation time during emergencies:

1. Make a Backpack Emergency Card
   • Place a card in your child’s school bag with their name, parent/guardian contact information, an out-of-state contact, and any medical needs.
   • CDC Backpack Emergency Card Template
2. Talk With Your Child’s School About Reunification
   • Ask about the school or childcare center’s reunification plan.
   • If one does not exist, request that the district create one.
3. Plan for Children with Special Health Care Needs
   • Ensure they carry medical identification and written instructions (allergies, medications, or health conditions).
   • Consider preparing a small “go-kit” with essential supplies in case separation lasts longer than expected.
4. Teach Children Identifiable Information
   • As soon as they are old enough, teach your child their first and last name, parents’ names, phone numbers, and the name/number of an out-of-state contact.
5. Create a Family Password
   • Choose a unique word or phrase only your family knows.
   • Teach children to only go with adults who can provide this password.
6. Establish Safe Places to Meet
   • Select a family meeting place other than your home, such as a trusted neighbor’s house or a familiar landmark.
   • At large public events, identify a visible meeting spot as soon as you arrive and write your phone number on a bracelet, lanyard, or tag.
7. Practice Conversations with Your Children
   • Rehearse what they should do if separated (for example: “find someone in charge, share your name, stay put until we find you”).
   • Keep conversations calm and age-appropriate so children feel prepared rather than fearful.
8. Plan for Communication During Disasters
   • Use text messaging when phone calls may not go through.
   • Designate an out-of-state contact who can serve as a family check-in point.
   • Follow only trusted sources (law enforcement, school district, Red Cross) for reunification updates.
9. Keep Updated Photos and Identification
   • Carry a recent photo of your child on your phone and in your wallet.
   • Save digital copies of IDs (licenses, passports, medical cards) in a secure location and keep hard copies outside your home.
10. Know What to Do if a Child is Lost
    • Contact local law enforcement immediately and provide detailed information about your child (age, height, eye/hair color, clothing).
    • If a Family Reunification Center is opened:
      • Families will be notified through official channels such as city alerts, social media, local news, or 211/311 hotlines.
      • Parents/guardians should bring identification, and any documentation needed for verification, including:
        • Driver’s License or government ID
        • Birth certificate (if available)
        • Documentation of guardianship, if applicable
        • Any relevant medical information

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.6. Appendix F: Integrating Unaccompanied Minor Scenarios in Reunification Training and Exercises

Incorporating unaccompanied minors into emergency preparedness exercises enhances realism, improves response planning, and builds systemwide readiness for one of the most complex challenges in disaster response, family reunification.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) outlines ethical, developmental, and safety considerations in its guidance: Participation of Children and Adolescents in Live Crisis Drills and Exercises. This resource is essential when designing exercises that involve live child actors. It emphasizes that minors can participate in drills safely and meaningfully when guided by appropriate planning, supervision, and developmental considerations.

Recruitment of Youth Participants

When designing exercises that include child actors or observers, consider partnerships with local youth-serving organizations. Participants may earn badges, receive community service credit, or gain exposure to emergency preparedness careers.

Sources for potential child and teen participants include:

• Boy and Girl Scouts of America
• Teen Community Emergency Response Teams (Teen CERT)
• Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs
• Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)
• Local high schools or technical schools
• Youth theater and acting groups
• School clubs
• Hospital-affiliated teen volunteer programs
• Faith-based youth groups or community centers
• Youth advisory councils or teen boards

Community-Based Reunification Scenarios

Player Card Summary

This section provides a summary of unaccompanied minor player cards for use in a community reunification exercise. Each card provides key identifying information, communication and functional considerations, and details about the associated guardian (when applicable). These scenarios are intentionally diverse and realistic, designed to help communities assess and strengthen their ability to address the unique needs of children during a response.

Injects

Reunification Process & Custody Conflicts

• A relative shows up to claim custody of children after learning the parent is deceased. No formal guardianship paperwork exists.
• An interstate custody order exists for a child at the FAC, but the local jurisdiction has not confirmed the order’s enforceability.
• A tribal representative arrives to claim custody of a child enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. A non-tribal foster parent also seeks reunification.
• A child is matched to a guardian who has reported deceased at the scene.
• A guardian is mistakenly told the child is deceased, but the child is later found alive in another FAC.
• A teen parent is trying to reunify with their infant but is being treated as a sibling.

Language, Culture, & Interpretation Challenges

• A child speaks an Indigenous Central American language and cannot understand the available interpreter.
• A staff member attempts to calm a child by touching their shoulder, unaware this violates the child’s cultural norms.

Mental and Behavioral Health, & Trauma Responses

• A child becomes inconsolable and starts hitting themselves.
• A teenager discloses thoughts of self-harm to a volunteer.
• A child who witnessed the disaster begins hyperventilating and screaming during intake.
• A child with autism becomes overstimulated by noise and lighting in the UMSA.
• A child with an intellectual disability does not understand the intake questions and becomes confused and withdrawn.
• A child believes law enforcement officers will deport them and flees the UMSA when they see a uniformed officer.
• A child asks why some children are being reunited and not them.
• A child asks if their parents are dead because no one will give them updates.
• A teen asks what will happen if their parents are undocumented and can’t come to pick them up.
• A child who identifies as LGBTQ+ requests a safe adult to speak to, citing fear of discrimination by a guardian.

Medical Needs & Accessibility Gaps

• A child with a known peanut allergy is given donated snacks containing trace peanuts.
• A child with an insulin pump shows signs of hypoglycemia, but medical response is delayed.
• A child’s wheelchair was left behind during evacuation. They are now without mobility support.
• A child with oxygen support has a low tank and no backup available.
• A child develops a rash and fever; others in the UMSA were in close contact.
• A child showing signs of dehydration and illness, but no pediatric provider is currently available at the FAC.
• A child requires daily medication, but the supply was left behind.
• A child with a visual impairment has lost their assistive device and is struggling to navigate the FAC.

Security & Identification Concerns

• An adult presents a birth certificate to claim a child, but the name does not match photo ID.
• A local reporter gains unauthorized access to a photo of unaccompanied children in the UMSA and publishes it.

Social Media & Public Misinformation

• A new volunteer is posting selfies inside the UMSA, with children visible in the background.
• A teen in the UMSA posts that “kids are being taken by CPS” and tags local media. The post goes viral.
• A child posts a TikTok from inside the UMSA and jokes, “they’ve locked us up.”

Inbound Inquiries & Communication

• FAC phone lines are being overwhelmed with family members trying to locate children.
• A parent in the FAC is awaiting reunification when a hospital reports their child is deceased.
• A child’s only confirmed guardian is in critical care, unable to consent to reunification.

Unaccompanied Minor Safe Area (UMSA) Conditions

• A child has been in the UMSA for over 24 hours. No family has been identified.
• The UMSA is out of diapers and wipes.
• Children have not had access to showers or clean clothing in over 48 hours. Odors are impacting behavior and wellbeing.
• Hunger is escalating behavioral issues in the children.
• A volunteer took an infant to a quieter space without informing anyone. Staff notice the infant missing.

Abuse, Neglect, & Trafficking Risks

• A youth arrives with a man who insists on interpreting.
• A 13-year-old girl arrives with an adult claiming to be her cousin. The child seems fearful and gives inconsistent answers.
• A child refuses to go with an adult claiming to be their parent, whispering to a staff member, “Please don’t let them take me.”
• A child presents with healing bruises and flinches when touched. The accompanying guardian is hostile and intimidating.

Marginalized & Vulnerable Populations

• A child enrolled in a federally recognized tribe is subject to ICWA, but a tribal rep has not arrived.
• A child with DACA status is hesitant to provide personal information due to deportation fears.
• A mother discloses she is undocumented and is afraid to submit any identifying information.

Printing Instructions for Player Cards and Injects

The following pages contain formatted player cards for use in community reunification exercises. Each page displays one unaccompanied minor card alongside their associated guardian card(s), when applicable, on a single side of the page.

General Guidelines

• Paper Size: Standard 8.5” x 11” (letter size)
• Orientation: Landscape
• Print Format: Single-sided only — each unaccompanied minor and their associated guardian(s) appear together on the same page
• Print Settings: Use “Fit to Page” or “Shrink to Fit” to ensure complete visibility of all card details
• Print Quality: Designed for both color and black & white; color printing may improve readability
• Durability: For repeated use, print on cardstock and/or laminate the pages

Back-to-Back (Double-Sided) Printing

Cards are formatted for double-sided (duplex) printing to conserve paper and streamline handling:

• Layout: Each unaccompanied minor card is followed by the corresponding guardian card(s), when applicable.
• Printer Setting: Choose “Print on both sides” and select “Flip on short edge” when printing in landscape orientation.
• Alternative Option: If double-sided printing is unavailable, cards may be printed single-sided and clipped or assembled manually.

Ensure the print order and orientation are correct by testing a sample before printing in bulk.

A downloadable version of this appendix, including the flashcards, is available here.

12.7. Appendix G: FRC ICS Organizational Chart

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.8. Appendix H: FRC ICS Child Reunification Group Supervisor Job Action Sheet

Provides guidance for the Child Reunification Group Supervisor in coordinating child-focused reunification activities.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.9. Appendix I: FRC Child-Focused Staff Job Action Sheet

Guides child-focused staff in supporting the safe and efficient reunification of children with their guardians within the FRC.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.10. Appendix J: Recommended Staff: Child Ratio and Group Size: Child Care Center

Staff: child ratio and group size requirements vary by state and type of program. Check your state’s or territory’s staff: child ratio and group size requirements for licensed childcare programs by selecting your state or territory and reviewing the “Understanding and Finding Child Care Resources” page.

The chart below provides some general recommendations from early childhood experts for safe staff: child ratios and group sizes.

ChildCare.gov provides recommendations for best practices and how to ensure health and safety in child care spaces - https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/regulated-child-care

American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, & National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. (2019).

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.11. Appendix K: Guardian Registration Form

To collect essential information from guardians to support family reunification efforts during a response.

Completed by FRC Staff

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.12. Appendix L: Child Intake Form

To collect identifying information for unaccompanied minors during registration at the Family Reunification Center.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.13. Appendix M: Reunification Pathway

This flowchart provides an example of the operational pathway for reunification efforts involving unaccompanied minors.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

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.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.15. Appendix O: Call Center Script

12.15. Appendix O: Call Center Script

This sample script provides guidance for FRC call line staff assisting parents, caregivers, or guardians in reporting or locating missing children during reunification operations.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.16. Appendix P: Public Messaging Script Regarding Unaccompanied Minors

This section provides sample messaging to communicate with the public after an emergency or disaster. Messages can be adapted for press releases, social media, websites, or announcements to help families report or locate separated children.

Public Messaging Tips

• Post accurate, centralized updates about reunification services across official platforms (websites, social media, SMS).
• Use consistent hashtags or page links to reduce confusion and misinformation.
• Flag or report false reunification reports or impersonation attempts.
• Avoid posting identifiable information or images of children unless:
  • The child is still missing, and permission has been granted by legal guardians or authorities, or
  • It is essential for recovery and vetted by law enforcement

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.17. Appendix Q: FRC Child-Focused Resources for Staff

This section provides staff with child-focused tools and resources to support reunification operations.

Talking with and Supporting Children After a Crisis

(Adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics – HealthyChildren.org: “Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other News Events”)

Core Principles

• Use calm, simple, reassuring language.
• Be honest but avoid unnecessary or graphic details.
• Give age-appropriate explanations and reassurance that they are safe.
• Let children ask questions and express feelings freely.
• Keep siblings together when possible.
• Model calm behavior. Children mirror adult tone and body language.

Where to Start

• Ask what they’ve heard. Most children already know something.
• Ask what questions they have. Listen first, then clarify.
• Correct misinformation gently and simply.
• Reassure: “You are safe here. We’re helping families find each other.”
  

Talking Points

• “It’s okay to feel sad, scared, or angry. Lost of people feel that way after something scary happens.”
• “Adults are working hard to help your family and keep you safe.”
• “If you have questions or worries, you can talk to me or another helper here.”

Young Children (Preschool–Elementary)

• Keep it short and simple (“There was a big storm, but you’re safe here.”).
• Avoid showing or discussing graphic details or media coverage.
• Offer comfort through calm voices, routines, and quiet activities.

Older Children and Teens

• Provide a little more information if they ask for it.
• Encourage honest questions and emotional expression.
• Reinforce that the event is not their fault.
• Offer healthy outlets like drawing, writing, or helping others.

Children with Developmental Delays or Disabilities

• Match explanations to developmental level, not age.
• Use visuals or familiar routines to support understanding.
• Respect individual comfort needs or sensory sensitivities.

Watch for Signs of Distress

• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Physical complaints (headache, stomachache, fatigue)
• Regression or clinginess
• Withdrawal, irritability, sadness
• Appetite or behavior changes

Supporting Children with Autism and Developmental Delays at the FRC

Just-in-time guidance for staff to support children with autism and other developmental delays as they may experience heightened anxiety, sensory overload, and behavioral challenges during or after a disaster.

1. Immediate Actions
   • Ask for Familiarity: If possible, check with known adults or older sibling about items the child prefers to hold or play with.
   • Provide Comfort Items: Offer favorite toys (blocks, cars), soft blankets, or sensory items.
   • Maintain Routine: Keep predictable schedules and familiar activities whenever possible.
   • Use Visual Supports: Picture schedules or visual aids help communicate changes in routine or location.
     
2. Communication Tips
   • Speak Calmly and Clearly: Use simple language, short sentences, and a reassuring tone. Match the child’s communication level and height.
   • Avoid Overstimulation: Reduce simultaneous talking, touching, and eye contact. Limit exposure to bright lights and loud noises.
   • Be Patient: Allow extra time for processing and responding.
   • Remember Developmental Level: A child’s communication or problem-solving may not match their appearance. Adapt your approach accordingly.
3. Managing Tantrums or Meltdowns
   • Safety First: Remove objects that could cause injury.
   • Ask for Guidance: Check with familiar adults or siblings for strategies that usually help.
   • Provide Brief Reassurance: Stay nearby but avoid excessive talking, touching, or showing frustration, which can escalate the situation.
4. Sensory Toolkit: Recommended Items

   Category and Items

   • Sensory Management
     • Fidget toys, stress balls, spinners, textured toys, weighted blankets or vests, noise-canceling headphones, soft lighting, oral motor tools, light-up toys
   • Communication Aids
     • Visual schedules, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) cards, social stories, communication boards
   • Supportive Items
     • Chargers, tablets with games and parental controls, soft dry clothing, diapers (child and adolescent sizes)
   • Safety Equipment
     • Soft mats/padding, door alarms/locks, safety gates, visual safety signs, first-aid kit

Tips for Use:

• • Introduce one item at a time.
  • Provide guidance and instruction.
  • Supervise use, especially with small or chewable items.
  • Offer choices, allow children to select items.
  • Ensure all items are safe, non-toxic, and age appropriate.
  • Be flexible; adjust the toolkit as the child’s needs change.

5. Preparing the Family Reunification Center

Items to Prepare:

• • Simple visual schedule for daily activities (sample)
  • Social stories (sample , Resource Link 1, Resource Link 2)
  • Clear signage with picture cues for instructions

Space Setup:

• • Designate a quiet, predictable area for retreat with low lighting and soft seating.
  • Minimize excess toys and materials to reduce overstimulation.
  • Post clear visual cues to guide movement through the center.
  • Use gates to prevent elopement.
  • Have a plan for managing challenging behaviors or meltdowns.
    

Waiting at the Center: A Visual Schedule

This visual schedule will show you what you can do at the center while you wait for your adult.

Here are the steps:

We hope you enjoy your time at the center while you wait!

Staying at the Center Until a Known Adult Arrives

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.18. Appendix R: Guidance for Families Regarding Social Media

The following tips can help families protect children and ensure they are sharing information responsibly during reunification operations.

As reunification efforts take place after an emergency or disaster, social media can be a valuable tool, but it also presents real risks, especially for children. During this sensitive time, it is critical to prioritize safety, emotional well-being, and the protection of personal information.

1. Be Alert for Misinformation
   • Rely only on official sources (e.g., government agencies, NCMEC, Red Cross, verified emergency accounts) for updates about reunification centers, shelters, and rescue efforts.
   • Do not share or repost unverified information, including names, photos, or rumors about missing children or survivors.
   • Help children and teens understand that not everything they read or see online is true, even when it appears urgent or emotional.
2. Guard Personal Information
   • Do not post or share the real-time locations of children, families, or reunification centers unless directed by official authorities.
   • Avoid sharing:
     
     • Full names of children
     • Dates of birth
     • School Names
     • Shelter or hotel locations
     • Contact numbers
     • Other identifying details or images
   • When communicating about sensitive matters, use private and secure channels such as encrypted messaging apps.
3. Prevent Exploitation or Predatory Contact
   • Be cautious of individuals online who offer help, transportation, or accommodation.
   • Do not respond to messages from unknown people, even if they claim to be rescuers or “friends”.
   • If suspicious contact or requests for personal information occur, report them immediately to authorities or platform moderators.
   • Limit posting or sharing reunification photos unless consent is clearly given by all parties involved.
4. Protecting Children’s Emotional Well-Being

Limit Exposure to Disturbing Content

• • Do not allow children to scroll unsupervised through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or X (Twitter), where graphic images and traumatic stories may appear.
  • Adults should preview content before sharing updates with children.
  • Turn off autoplay and disable notifications on apps that may repeatedly show distressing content.
  • Encourage offline activities to reduce stress and provide stability.

Support Emotional Regulation

• • Avoid long periods of social media scrolling, which can overwhelm children emotionally.
  • Reassure children with clear, calm updates in plain language.
  • If a child becomes anxious after using social media, help them identify what upset them and guide them back to safe, regulated content or away from screens entirely.
  • Connect children with trained counselors or crisis support if they’re showing signs of distress, withdrawal, or fear related to online content.
    

Watch for Cyberbullying or Harassment

• • Children may be targeted online by peers or strangers during vulnerable moments.
  • Monitor accounts for signs of bullying, such as:
    
    • Name-calling or threats
    • Reposts of distressing content
    • Insensitive comments on public updates
    • Encourage children to speak up if they feel unsafe or attacked online. Block and report any abusive users.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.19. Appendix S: UMSA (Unaccompanied Minor Safe Areas) Location Assessment Tool

This checklist is designed to identify strengths and gaps before activation, ensuring the site can safely support children during reunification operations.

Instructions: For each item select the rating that best reflects the site:

• High (Good): Fully meets safety and suitability requirements.
• Moderate (Some Concerns): Minor issues present, manageable with adjustments.
• Low (Not Suitable): Significant issues, not appropriate without major modifications

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.20. Appendix T: FRC Supply List for Children-Focused Operations

This checklist supplements the standard FRC supply list and highlights additional equipment and materials specifically needed to support child-centered operations across designated areas.

(Adapted from the Coyote Crisis Collaborative Family Reunification Center Planning Guide, 2017. Scottsdale, AZ: Coyote Crisis Collaborative; 2017. http://coyotecampaign.org/documents.) http://coyotecampaign.org/documents

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.21. Appendix U: Mental Health Post-Disaster Resources for Children

This section provides post-incident resources for families, including mental health support and other services, to assist with recovery and ongoing needs following reunification operations.

Helping Kids Navigate After a Tragedy

You know your child best. Most children and teens find it helpful if you:

• Listen to them.
• Answer questions briefly and honestly.
• Let them know they are safe, and you are there for them.

You can say things like...

• Have any of your friends talked about what happened? What did you hear?
• What questions do you have about what you’ve heard or seen?
• Do you want to write or draw about how you feel?

Remember to take care of yourself, too.

It’s ok to step away and process your own reactions, by yourself or with a trusted friend or counselor. By creating space for yourself, you will be better able to help your kids express their feelings without mixing them up with your own.

What do I do next?

• Limit exposure to disturbing media. Pictures and videos of the event can be scary. Consider monitoring electronics use closely after these events to prevent accidental exposure.
• Promote your child’s resilience. The more a child can feel safe and tell their story, the less anxious they may be when reminded of the trauma.
• Read, watch and listen to stories together. Stories can help kids process traumatic or scary events in an accessible way.
• Reassure – but not too much. Too much reassurance can send the message that they should be worried when they are not.

If you or your child have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, call, text or chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit the Emergency Room.

What to Watch for:
Common Symptoms of PTSD

When a child’s reactions to trauma persist after a few weeks, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Consider talking to a health care professional if your child’s reactions continue for more than 2 to 4 weeks after the event, worsen over time, or affect their usual routines.

• Avoiding people, places or things that bring back memories.
• Panic symptoms (heart palpitations, rapid breathing) when not in danger.
• Withdrawal from family or peers.
• Changes in appearance, not taking care of personal hygiene.
• Feeling shame or blame – “if only” thoughts.
• Feeling sad.
• Increased anger responses.
• Nightmares.
• Memories of the scary event even when they are trying not to think about it.
• Safety concerns – thoughts or threats of self-harm or suicide.
• Trouble with memory – not remembering directions from one homework page to the next. May not remember parts of the trauma.
• Teens may exhibit risk-taking behaviors – using drugs or alcohol, breaking curfew.
• Any other symptoms that interfere with daily activities.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.22. Appendix V: Demobilization Criteria for Child-Focused Operations

These indicators signal that services for children may no longer be required and that the environment is stable enough to initiate demobilization planning.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.23. Appendix W: Hot Wash and Debrief Guide – Child Operations

This guide supports structured debrief discussions following child reunification operations, providing facilitators with prompts to guide reflection and capture key observations.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.24. Appendix X: Child-Focused After-Action Report & Improvement Plan

This document analyzes lessons learned from child-focused operations in the Family Reunification Center (FRC) and guides improvement planning based on incident hot washes and debriefs.

Focus Area Analysis

Improvement Plan

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.25. Appendix Y: Additional Resources NCMEC

NCMEC – National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is a nonprofit organization in the United States that serves as a resource for families, law enforcement, and the public in cases involving missing and exploited children. Founded in 1984, the NCMEC works to help locate and recover missing children, prevent child abduction and exploitation, and provide support services to victims and their families. The organization operates a 24/7 hotline for reporting missing children and suspected child exploitation, as well as conducting public campaigns and educational programs to raise awareness about these issues. With a focus on collaboration and partnerships with law enforcement agencies, government entities, and other organizations, NCMEC serves as a national clearinghouse and plays a vital role in safeguarding children and combating crimes against them.

NCMEC’s role in disaster response

NCMEC responds to requests by disaster-impacted communities, states/tribes to support missing child search and rescue and reunification efforts. NCMEC can assist in a disaster response regardless of a Presidentially declared disaster if a child is:

• Missing under the age of 18 whose whereabouts are unknown.
• Separated from their legal guardian due to a variety of circumstances.
• Missing along with their family members.
• Found to be unaccompanied by their parents or legal guardian.

Below are disaster related resources that NCMEC can provide to support any disaster response:

• 24/7 Call Center: 800–THE–LOST (1–800–843–5678)
• National Emergency Child Locator Center
• Field Resources & Team Adam
• Case Management
• Analytical Support
• Specialized Forensic Services
• Unaccompanied Minors Disaster Registry (UMDR)
• Reunification & Crisis Intervention

24/7 Call Center: 800–THE–LOST© (1–800–843–5678)

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children© (NCMEC), serves as an information clearinghouse and national resource center on issues related to victims, missing and exploited children and operates a national toll-free hotline. As a normal course of work, NCMEC provides resources, technical assistance, and prevention services to victims, families, and the public, as well as support to law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels in cases involving missing and exploited children. NCMEC's 24-hour hotline is 800–THE–LOST© (1–800–843–5678)

National Emergency Child Locator Center

NCMEC operates the National Emergency Child Locator Center (NECLC), as listed in the Robert T. Stafford Act. The NECLC may be activated through a request to FEMA from a State, Tribe, or Territory during Presidentially declared disasters. Its primary mission is to host a toll-free hotline to assist with the reunification of children who have become separated from their parents or legal guardians during a disaster. When activated, the NECLC can be reached through 800–THE–LOST© (1–800–843–5678)

Team Adam (Field Resources)

Team Adam provides rapid, onsite assistance to law-enforcement agencies and families during critical cases involving missing children. Consultants are deployed to the scene and provide technical assistance and connect families and law enforcement to NCMEC’s vast network of resources. Team Adam partners with FEMA to provide child reunification services, providing assistance to families affected by such disasters nationwide.

Case Management

NCMEC provides direct case management support after a missing child is reported to NCMEC and a Case Manager is assigned. As NCMEC’s primary point of contact in the missing child’s case, the Case Manager will coordinate the wide range of NCMEC support services for law enforcement, parents, and legal guardians of missing children while the child is missing and after they are recovered.

Poster Creation and Distribution

When a child goes missing, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) works closely with parents, guardians, and law enforcement to quickly disseminate information about the child's disappearance to the public across a vast poster distribution network. NCMEC creates posters using these photos to enhance the chances of receiving leads regarding the child’s whereabouts.

Analytical Support

NCMEC can provide free to law enforcement, direct analytical support for missing and unidentified deceased child cases to include missing children who have run away, have been missing a long time, were abducted by a parent or family member, are being trafficked for sex, or have special needs.

Specialized Forensic Services

NCMEC offers forensic services to law enforcement, medical examiners, and coroners to find missing children, identify unknown deceased children, and develop leads on child abduction homicides. The Forensic Services Unit calls upon subject matter experts from a wide array of forensic disciplines to develop a comprehensive evidence strategy to ensure all possible forensic resources have been considered. The forensic professionals NCMEC collaborates with provide a limited number of free or reduced-cost services and resources.

Unaccompanied Minors Disaster Registry (UMDR)

The Unaccompanied Minors Disaster Registry (UMDR) supports the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) by allowing the public to report information related to children who have been separated from their parents or legal guardians as a result of a disaster. This tool will enable NCMEC to provide assistance to local law enforcement and assist in the reunification of displaced children with their parents or legal guardians. The UMDR provides a place for emergency management agencies, law enforcement, shelter staff, hospital employees, and other organizations to report minors in their care during disasters. When a person makes a report to the UMDR, it goes directly to NCMEC’s Call Center. A case will be opened for the child, and information will be passed on to field resources on the ground. The UMDR site is https://umr.missingkids.org/umr.

Reunification & Crisis Intervention

NCMEC’s masters-level trained advocates work to strengthen families by offering telephonic support when planning for prevention or managing a crisis. This family-centered approach helps create a collaborative environment to assist victims and families identify areas of need and find the right community-based resources to assist with healing and reconnecting. NCMEC is available to help families prepare for their child’s needs when children initially reunite with their families or months later. Families in financial need may qualify for transportation at low or no cost to them once their children are recovered.

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.

12.26. Appendix Z: Additional Resources I Love U Guys

Supporting Safe and Effective School Reunification

Standard Reunification Method (SRM) V3

The Standard Reunification Method (SRM) V3 is a nationally recognized framework for safely and efficiently reuniting students during emergencies. It provides schools with tools and processes to ensure reunification is orderly, trauma-informed, and well-coordinated.

Key Capabilities:

• Rapidly establish a Family Reunification Center (FRCs)
• Track and manage students throughout an incident
• Ensure safe, orderly, and trauma-informed reunification

SRM V3 Features:

• Step-by-step guidance for intake, tracking, and release
• Ready-to-use templates for forms, wristband/barcode systems, and family communication

Learn more: SRM V3

Standard Reunification Method Reunification Exercise (SRM-REX)

SRM-REx is a hands-on exercise that allows schools to test and strengthen their reunification plans in a realistic, practical setting.

Key Capabilities:

• Identify strengths and gaps in your current reunification procedures
• Practicing communication and coordination between school staff, first responders, and families
• Build staff confidence in implementing SRM V3 during real incidents

SRM-Rex Highlights:

• Realistic simulation of reunification scenarios
• Staff and volunteer role assignments
• Integration of local resources, technology, and emergency protocols

Learn more: SRM-REx

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.