4. Child-Specific Considerations

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.