Family Reunification After Disasters

Abstract

I n today's age, natural and manmade disasters continue to grow in magnitude because of factors such as global climate change, deforestation, population growth, and environmental toxins. 1 The number of natural disasters tripled in 2000 to 2009 compared with 1980 to 1989. 2 Although the occurrences of disasters are considered low probability, these events can severely impact affected families and their children in devastating ways through sudden displacement and emotional stress. 3,4 Children can be separated from their families after any disaster. 5 In fact, separation of the family is a likely scenario as each day, 67 million children are away from their parents or caregivers in school or childcare. 6 Children are particularly vulnerable if separated from their caregiver or parents. Depending on their age or developmental level, children may not be able to identify themselves or their loved ones. In unfamiliar circumstances, younger children may be afraid or too shy to offer information. Because of anatomical and developmental differences, children are at more risk for injuries that require medical attention. 7 In children, the effects of being separated from parents/caregivers for extended periods can have dire consequences with increased risk for victims of maltreatment, abuse, kidnapping, and, in the most severe case, exploitation. 8 Parents may unintentionally hinder response efforts and overwhelm staff as they frantically search for their children. In a survey, 63% parents stated that they will disregard an evacuation order and go directly to a child's school after a disaster. 9 Family reunification policies need to take into consideration the vulnerabilities of children and the actions of loved ones looking for their children.Although the goal of family reunification after disasters is simple, how to achieve this goal is incredibly complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach during planning and implementation for a successful outcome. As early as 2006, the Institute of Medicine

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“…Human connection enhances a sense of continuity in face of disruption and trauma, provides models of resiliency which could bolster survivors’ own sense of competence, and increases their access to tangible and non-tangible resources [ 52 ]. Accordingly, family reunification has repeatedly been cited as a priority in disaster and mass trauma response, especially for children and adolescents for whom the stress resulting from delayed family reunification has been associated with significant and prolonged negative effects [ 53 , 54 ]. Appropriately the World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for family reunification as an essential component of promoting mental health in post-disaster response [ 55 ].…”