10. Definitions

Term Definition
Child Life Specialist A trained professional who helps children cope with hospitalization, illness, or traumatic events through play, education, and emotional support
Child Welfare Champion A designated professional or liaison who advocates for and ensures that child-specific needs are addressed in all response and recovery operations
Custodial (Guardian, Parent, Caretaker) An individual who has legal responsibility for the care and custody of a child. This may include a parent, legal guardian, or other caretaker formally recognized by the court or child welfare system.
Custody Verification The process of confirming legal authority for an adult to assume responsibility for a child, using documentation, interviews, and official records
Disaster A serious disruption that causes widespread damage, hardship, or loss of life. Disasters typically exceed the capacity of a community to respond and recover with local resources alone, requiring outside assistance.
Emergency An event or situation that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment and requires prompt action. Emergencies may be managed with local resources and do not always escalate to the level of a disaster.
ESF #6 (Emergency Support Function #6 Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services) – A federal coordination function that includes shelter, food, and family reunification services during disasters
ESF #8 (Emergency Support Function #8 Public Health and Medical Services) – A federal coordination function supporting public health, medical care, mental health, and mortuary services during disasters
Family Reunification Center (FRC) A designated site for registering, sheltering, and reunifying children and their families or guardians during or after a disaster
Guardian Registration The formal process of documenting the identifying and custodial information for adults claiming a child during reunification operations
Incident Any occurrence, natural or human-caused, that requires a response. Incidents are the broadest category and can range from routine (e.g., a car accident requiring EMS) to complex events (e.g., acts of terrorism, major disasters).
Intake The initial process of recording a child’s identifying, medical, and situational information upon arrival at the FRC
Juvenile A person under the age of 18 who is not legally considered an adult. The term is often used in legal, justice, or protective services settings.
Psychological First Aid An evidence-informed approach for supporting people during crisis, reducing distress, and promoting adaptive functioning
PsyStart A rapid mental health triage system used in disasters to quickly assess psychological impact and prioritize individuals for follow-up support or intervention
Reunification The process of safely reconnecting children with their custodial guardians following separation due to an emergency, disaster, or other incident. Reunification prioritizes verification of custodial authority and the well-being of the child.
Safe Person/Entity An individual or organization designated and trusted to provide temporary care, supervision, or protection for a child until reunification with their custodial guardian can occur. This may include vetted staff, volunteers, law enforcement, child welfare agencies, or other authorized entities.
Trauma-Informed Care Service delivery that recognizes and responds to the effects of trauma to avoid re-traumatization
Unaccompanied Minor A child under the age of 18 who is separated from their parent, guardian, or legally responsible caregiver during an incident
Youth A young person generally between the ages of 12 and 17. The specific age range may vary by program, jurisdiction, or context.
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