6. Operationalization of Reunification Practices for Children

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

Integrating Child Reunification into the Incident Command System

Within the Incident Command System (ICS) structure presented in this toolkit, the Family Reunification Center (FRC) and its related activities report through the Operations Section.

Communities can incorporate child-specific expertise into FRC operations using one of the following structures:

  • Assign a child-focused subject matter expert to serve as a liaison to the FRC Supervisor.
  • Establish a dedicated Child Reunification Group led by a Child Reunification Group Supervisor who reports to the FRC Supervisor.

The selected structure should be scalable to the incident and clearly documented within the community’s ICS organization, staffing plan, and operational procedures.

Operational Planning Resources

Appendix G: FRC ICS Organizational Chart provides a child-inclusive organizational structure for Family Reunification Center operations.

Appendix H: FRC ICS Child Reunification Group Supervisor Job Action Sheets describes child reunification responsibilities and integrates them into standard incident-response functions.

Section 7.0 identifies additional support resources, including community partners and organizations with specialized expertise that may assist with child reunification operations.