Child Safety & Reunification

The Child Safety & Reunification Team is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our island's children before, during, and after emergency or disaster situations. The team's mission encompasses helping island residents and organizations create and execute comprehensive plans for the 24/7 care of unaccompanied minors.

They encourage all Island youth-serving organizations, parents, and guardians to participate in these efforts, which include establishing a Child Reunification Center on the campus of Bainbridge High School for use in large-scale disasters.

Team Leads

Kerstin Cathcart

Kari Seybolt-Murphy

Mission and Community Impact:

The Child Safety & Reunification Team is pivotal in our community's disaster response efforts, focusing on the protection and safety of the most defenseless among us—our children. Their mission is to guarantee the care and reunification of unaccompanied minors with their families during emergencies. Their meticulous planning and encouragement of preparedness among parents, guardians, schools, and youth organizations play a significant role in enhancing our community's overall resilience. Their dedicated efforts provide reassurance and peace of mind, knowing that our children will be safe and cared for in any potential disaster scenario.

About the Team:

This team takes a proactive approach to disaster preparedness, advocating for thought-through routines and emergency contacts among parents and guardians. By fostering open discussions within families and emphasizing the significance of emergency preparedness and family reunification plans, they contribute to a culture of readiness within our community. Their dedication ensures that every child on Bainbridge Island will be accounted for and protected, no matter what emergencies may arise. If you're interested in joining the Child Safety & Reunification Team or aiding the Child Reunification Center during a disaster, we encourage you to reach out to team lead Kari Seybolt-Murphy. This team embodies our community's commitment to protecting our youngest members and preserving the safety of future generations.

Emergency Preparedness Protocols:

Attention school administrators and PTOs! The lists in this guide were developed by the Child Safety and Family Reunification team as part of the Bainbridge Prepares partnership (the City of Bainbridge Island, the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, and Bainbridge Prepares). Please use them to inform your emergency preparedness supply purchases.

2024 Town Hall

The first 50 people to sign up for the event were given Bainbridge Prepares Prep Pouches manufactured by Cascadia Ready. These pouches, which retail for $39, are intended to support a person on the move (such as a kid at school or a commuter).

Each kit includes two emergency water pouches (4.226 oz each), a 90 percent heat reflective emergency blanket, a 12-hour glow stick, an air-activated 24-hour body warmer, a dust mask, an Adventure Medical Kits waterproof medical kit, and an emergency contact card. Extra packets are available at City Hall until the end of April. Want to purchase a kit? Click here—5 percent of your purchase will be donated to Bainbridge Prepares.

Emergency Preparedness for Families
of Preschool and Elementary Age Children

Please enjoy this ~50 minute presentation regarding child safety and family reunification work after a natural disaster. While applicable to families with children of all ages, this discussion focuses heavily on the younger set of students in our island community.

  • Host: Kathy Haskin, Peacock Family Services Director of Strategic Initiatives

  • Speaker: Meghan Skotheim, Montessori Country School Head of School, Bainbridge Prepares Child Safety Team

  • Scott James, Bainbridge Prepares Founder and Board Chair

Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, Island Fitness, and Charter Real Estate for financially supporting the Peacock Family Services' Partners for Early Learning program!

Resources and Questions

  • In preparation for a major disaster, the team assists residents and organizations in developing plans for 24/7 care for unaccompanied minors. They guide families in preparing family reunification plans and help schools and youth organizations to outline their procedures in case of an emergency. They're also responsible for the establishment and upkeep of the Child Reunification Center at Bainbridge High School.

    Learn more in their FAQ document.

  • During an activation, the team initiates the predetermined plan to ensure the care and safety of unaccompanied minors. This plan includes requesting parents/guardians to pick up their children, coordinating the transfer of children not picked up to the Child Reunification Center, and ensuring this center is staffed with background-checked professionals and volunteers.

  • The team is activated in the event of any emergency or disaster, such as earthquakes, mass shootings, or wild fires, that may result in children being left unattended or separated from their parents/guardians.

  • To request support from the Child Safety & Reunification team, please refer to the contact information provided above. The team is here to provide guidance and assistance in developing family reunification plans and to answer any related questions.

  • We suggest the following:

    -Make your family’s favorite dinner and set time aside for a long meal with a discussion

    -Ask your child(ren) where they think your meeting spot should be, if you had to leave your home

    -Build a birds-eye view of your home and mark all the exits and your meeting spot

    -Make a list of who your child(ren) should call if you are unavailable.

  • 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 Ziplock or pouch. Here’s a list of what to include.

  • When filling out emergency contact information, please make sure the person(s) you are choosing are:

    -Notified that they are your go-to person

    -On all the documents (i.e. School Top 10 list)

    -Close to where your children are located (ie. Home or school)

    -Person(s) that your children are comfortable with

    -Fill out the Family Reunification Form that can be found below: Family Reunification form (PDF)

    Have cup of coffee, tea, or wine and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you and your family have a plan!

  • If you're interested in volunteering for the Child Safety & Reunification team, you can complete an emergency management volunteer application on our website. The team greatly appreciates the support of community members willing to help ensure the safety of our children during emergencies. Visit the volunteer section to sign up!

Forms and Links

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