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

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.