12. Appendices

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.

Community Stakeholders for Child Reunification Focus Group

Sector Name Contact Information
(Email & Phone)		 Responsibilities Notes
Emergency Management Agencies (Local, State & Regional)     Lead interagency coordination.  
PIO/ Communications     Collaborate with SMEs to develop family-centered, multilingual communication templates.  
Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)     Support cross-agency collaboration and child-focused recovery planning.  
Public Health Department     Identify population needs, support medical and behavioral health planning, and ensure public health protocols are integrated into strategies.  
Health Care Coalition     Coordinate capabilities for children across member facilities and agencies.  
Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC)     Contribute medical expertise regarding children.  
Law Enforcement     Participate in planning for minor identification, custody verification, and safe reunification procedures.  
Coroner/ Medical Examiner’s Office     Support planning for deceased child identification and family notification procedures.  
Children’s Hospital / Pediatric Health Care Providers     Inform medical and developmental protocols; provide trauma-informed care guidance.  
Mental / Behavioral Health     Plan emotional support for children and families during reunification.  
Specialty Service Needs / Pediatric Rehabilitation & other Pediatric Long-Term Care Facilities     Identify special and unique needs of children and resources to address them.  
Education Partners     Align school reunification plans; coordinate data sharing and child release protocols.  
Early Education / Child Care     Offer insight into age-appropriate care, child development, and early learning resources.  
Social Service Organizations     Informed custody verification, temporary care protocols, and family support services.  
Runaway & Homeless Youth Programs     Provide perspective on housing stability, family dynamics, and wraparound services.  
Juvenile Justice System     Address custody, tracking, and communication protocols for justice-involved youth.  
Courts / Judicial Partners     Provide guidance on custodial concerns and legal determinations.  
American Red Cross Chapter     Support the design of child-friendly layouts and streamlining the intake process for reunification centers.  
Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) / Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs) / Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COADs)     Serve as volunteer and staffing resource.  
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC))     Support child identification, reunification logistics, and missing person operations.  
Recreational Youth Organizations     Identify opportunities for positive youth engagement and structured activities.  
Pediatric Disability Organizations     Ensure accessibility and inclusion for children with disabilities, including services and accommodations.  
Pediatric Professional Societies     Contribute subject matter expertise in pediatric care, nursing, and child life services.  
United Way and other Community Foundations     Offer a broad network of partners and resources to support reunification efforts.  
Universities and Research Institutions     Bring research-based insights on child development and family dynamics.  
Community Leaders     Mobilize resources, foster collaboration, and provide culturally responsive guidance.  

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.