Disability considerations for reunification and reintegration

Residential care facilities (RCFs) are working to reunify children with families, place children in family-based alternative care, and prevent separation. Family care is always possible with the right supports and services, and RCFs are taking steps to prepare children with disabilities for reunification and placement. Key considerations for successful reunification and placement of children with disabilities into family care include understanding disability and its impact on children's care, disability-inclusive case management, and preparing children with disabilities for reunification/placement. RCFs are working to overcome common challenges by becoming familiar with the basics of developmental delay and disability in children, identifying local and national disability policies, and coordinating with multi-disciplinary professionals. In Kenya, Guatemala, Zambia, and other countries, organizations of persons with disabilities are advising on disability inclusion across the reintegration process, advocating for the child's rights, educating parents/caregivers, and raising awareness in the community to fight stigma and promote inclusion of persons with disabilities. They are key partners in the reunification and reintegration process. Minimum standards of care for children with disabilities in RCFs include ensuring all children have rights, understanding each child's individual needs and strengths, and providing sensitization and training on disability for all staff. RCFs must also have adequate staff-to-child ratios, provide quality care and meet the needs of each child, and have up-to-date records and case files. Family and home tracing should be done immediately upon admission, and each child should have a care plan in place to guide reunification or family-based alternative care placement.