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Resources and Tools > Disaster Preparedness and Response
Disaster Preparedness and Response
In the event of a disaster, the child welfare agency’s information technology and telecommunications capabilities can play a critical part in tracking the well-being and whereabouts of children, parents, and providers. Below you will find information on the Reconnect Families Database and other tools developed by the NRC-CWDT, as well as links to other relevant sites in order to better prepare your agency for a disaster. Please note that as of September 2007, it has been a requirement for States to describe their procedures for responding to a disaster for programs funded by Title IV-B 1 and 2. For more information, see ACYF-CB-IM-06-05.
Reconnect Families Database
Reconnect Families is a database system designed to aide states, tribes, counties, parishes and other child welfare agencies in the wake of a disaster. In the event that children become displaced and/or separated from their families, Reconnect Families allows the child welfare agency to track their whereabouts and well-being and identify children who have not yet been accounted for. It includes the tracking of children, adult family members, placement providers and agency workers and allows for the collection of multiple phone number and addresses.
We hope that in the event of a disaster, this database will assist child welfare agencies in assuring the safety of children and reconnecting the families that they serve.
Please click here to learn more about the Reconnect Families Database.
Tips, Tools and Trends series on Disaster Preparedness
The NRC-CWDT has developed several documents related to disaster preparedness in child welfare, particularly in the area of data and information technology. We were fortunate to gain much of this information from those who have experienced a disaster first-hand and are sharing their insights and lessons learned.
Additional Resources
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Children’s Bureau Express issue on Disaster Preparedness
http://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/index.cfm?event=website.viewSection&issueID=95&subsectionID=12
Red Cross “Safe and Well” List
This service from the Red Cross allows users to send a message to a concerned party letting them know of their status and plan for further communication.
https://disastersafe.redcross.org/default.aspx
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
http://www.missingkids.com
Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov
Technical Assistance
The NRC-CWDT is available to provide technical assistance in supporting agencies as they prepare for natural disasters or other unexpected events. To learn more about available technical assistance or to arrange for a demonstration of Reconnect Families, please contact us at nrccwdt@cwla.org.
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