12. Appendices

12.3. Appendix C: Identifying Gaps and Existing Elements in Child Reunification

This worksheet supports the review of existing local, regional, or state reunification plans with a focus on considerations for children. It provides a structured method to assess the maturity of child-specific elements and identify actionable next steps to improve reunification planning.

Scoring Key:
0 – Not addressed
1 – Mentioned, not detailed or child-specific
2 – Addressed, partially child-inclusive
3 – Fully developed and child-specific

Multi-select questions: Maximum score of 1, regardless of the number of options selected.

Child Reunification Plan Gap Assessment

Topic Prompt Existing Score
(0–3)		 Gaps or Areas for Improvement
Coordination and Preparedness
Activation & Triggers for Reunification of Children Are there clear triggers and criteria for when pediatric reunification operations begin?    
Integration of Child-Focused SMEs in ICS Does the plan include child-focused subject matter experts in the incident command structure?    
Child Focused MOUs and Data Sharing Agreements Does your plan include community partner agreements related to children’s services/needs?

Which of the following are included in your community partner agreements related to children’s services/needs? Select all that apply.
  1. Interagency coordination
  2. Resource sharing
  3. Data exchange
  4. Reunification support
  5. Caregiver coordination
  6. Child resource availability
    
Community Partner Coordination Are community partners actively included in planning and exercises?

Which community partners are included in planning and exercises? Select all that apply.
  1. Schools
  2. Child protective services/Department of Family and Children’s Services
  3. Non-governmental organizations (e.g., American Red Cross, etc.)
  4. Tribal entities
  5. Other, please specify
    
Legal and Privacy Readiness
Legal and Privacy Considerations Does your plan include legal considerations for children?

Which legal considerations are included in your plan? Select all that apply.
  1. Custody
  2. Consent
  3. Data privacy laws for children
  4. Other, please specify
    
Guardian Registration Process Is there a process and form for registering guardians at reunification sites to verify custody and facilitate tracking?    
Staff Vetting Procedures Are protocols in place to ensure background checks for all staff working with children?    
Staffing and Training
Child-Focused Staffing & Volunteer Roles Do you have child-specific roles defined in your plan?    
Staff: Child Ratios Are there defined procedures and standards for appropriate staff-to-child ratios in reunification settings?    
Staff and Volunteer Training Do all staff receive training on child-specific operations?    
Staff Training for Child Interaction Is guidance provided to staff on how to talk with and support children who are separated from their families?    
Communications Planning
Family Notification and Communications Does the plan outline multilingual communication methods to reach families?    
Family Communication Procedures Does the plan provide families with clear guidance about the reunification process?    
Public Messaging Protocols Are communication channels outlined for informing the public about reunification operations for unaccompanied minors?    
Media Management for Child Incidents Does the plan include media coordination guidance specific to at least one of the following, child reunification, privacy, and protection?

Which guidance is outlined in your plan? Select all that apply.
  1. Child reunification
  2. Child privacy
  3. Child protection
    
Tracking and Responding to Misinformation Does the plan include processes to monitor false information impacting reunification efforts?

Does the plan include processes to correct false information impacting reunification efforts?		    
Operations
Tracking & Identification for Children Is there a tracking process outlined in your plan for children?

What identification tools are used to track children? Select all that apply.
  1. Spreadsheet
  2. Wristbands
  3. Tags
  4. Photographs
  5. Other, please specify
Which of the following does your system have a process for updating? Select all that apply.
  1. Location
  2. Status (unmatched, matched, reunified)
  3. Other, please specify
    
Unaccompanied Minor Protocols Does the plan include protocols for unaccompanied minors?

Which protocols are included? Select all that apply.
  1. Intake for children, including non-verbal or very young minors
  2. Reunification process (matching)
  3. Custody verification
  4. Interagency coordination
    
Protocols for Incapacitated Guardians Does the plan outline actions if a guardian is present but unable to verify identity or provide care?    
Protocols for Deceased Minors or Guardians Are there sensitive, respectful procedures to manage reunification in the event of a fatality?    
Facility Setup & Movement Control
Unaccompanied Minor Safe Area Setup Are there designated spaces for child-specific reunification needs?

For which of the following is there a designated space: Select all that apply.
  1. Child safe area for children awaiting reunification
  2. Reunification area (where children are reunified with verified guardians)
  3. Family registration area for loved ones seeking children (separate from the child safe area and reunification area)
    
Safety & Security of Reunification Sites Are protocols established for vetted access to child-safe spaces?    
Direct Services
Medical and Behavioral Health Support for Children Does the plan address medical/behavioral health support for children?

Which of the following does your plan address? Select all that apply.
  1. First aid for children
  2. Medication administration
  3. Accommodation for children with functional and access needs (mobility aids, communication tools, technology/electricity dependence)
  4. Provision of trauma-informed care
  5. Behavioral health services
  6. Triage for pediatric mental health services
  7. Other, please specify
    
Recovery
Long-Term Recovery for Children and their Families Do you include recovery in your plan?

Which of the following does your recovery plan address? Select all that apply.
  1. Care of remaining unaccompanied minors after demobilization of the Reunification Center or Family Assistance Center
  2. School reintegration
  3. Referrals to mental or behavioral health services
  4. Anticipatory guidance on post-reunification care for families
    
Total Score (Max 85)      

A downloadable version of this appendix is available here.