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

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.