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Child Safety and Reunification Team: Team Development


Step 1. Investigate the policies of your local school district and state regarding post-disaster emergency care for schoolchildren. 


Step 2. Reach out to schools, youth organizations, and after-school programs to find volunteers for your CS&R Team. Also reach out to Girl Scout and Boy Scouts, the national Youth CERT program, and juniors and seniors in high school.


Step 3. Identify a Team Lead.


Step 4. Have volunteers take Stop the Bleed, CPR/AED, Psychological First Aid, FEMA IS-100 (Incident Command System), and FEMA IS-700 (National Incident Management System). 


Step 5. Identify all the locations where children might be without their parents and guardians when a disaster strikes.


Step 6. Prepare education materials for staff at all of these facilities. You can find a good example here. Present the materials at a meeting of staff. 


Step 7. Identify pre- and post-disaster actions for your team.


Step 8. Identify the supplies you will need for the Child Reunification Center. See Child Safety and reunification Team: Gear & Supplies.


Step 9. Fundraise or seek grants to be able to purchase the supplies or ask for donations of materials.


Step 10. Develop and disseminate education materials for families. These should include

the following steps:


  • Agree on a list of people your children should call if you are not at home or if you are injured.


  • Provide your children’s schools and care facilities with a list of adults approved to pick them up if you can’t. Ensure these adults are listed on all school documents requiring them. These adults should be familiar to your kids, and your kids need to feel comfortable with them. Ideally, they will be adults who live near you. Make sure these adults are listed on all school documents.


  • Notify the adults on the list what to do and when. If a disaster strikes, and they don’t hear from you, for example, that might be the time they activate. 


  • Complete a family reunification card. The card will provide all relevant contact info. on approved adults.


  • At the start of each school year, pack a small emergency kit for your child to keep in their backpack or at their desk. All should fit in a quart size zippered plastic bag or pouch:


  • Water (emergency water pouches)


  • Protein snacks or granola bars (be mindful of food allergies)


  • Small first aid kit


  • Emergency blanket


  • Small flashlight


  • Surgical Mask/KN95/N95


  • Family reunification card 


  • Family photo (this helps with family identification and reunification)


Optional Items

  • Extra health-related items your child uses


  • Comfort item (small stuffed animal or toy)


  • Chapstick and antibacterial hand sanitizer


  • Wipes


Step 11. Develop Standard Operating Procedures for the CRC.


Step 12. Create an annual plan for the team and carry out its objectives.


Step 13. Provide annual exercises and training for volunteers.


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