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The First 48 Hours: An Emergency Checklist for Sudden Kinship Placements
When a Child Arrives Unexpectedly, Breathe and Focus on the Basics
At A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI), we know stepping forward to care for a child is an incredible act of love—and it can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to have all the answers. This guide will help you focus on what matters most during the first 48 hours: safety, comfort, routine, and support.
ASCI’s mission is rooted in a kin-first approach that recognizes the importance of children staying safely connected to their family, culture, community, and support systems whenever possible. This checklist is designed to help you focus on what matters most during those first 48 hours.
The First 12 Hours: Safety, Comfort, and Immediate Reassurance
The first several hours are about the basics. You don’t need to create a perfect room, establish a perfect routine, or have every answer. Start with safety, then comfort, then reassurance.
A child entering your home may be scared, confused, exhausted, angry, or emotionally shut down. They may ask the same question repeatedly, ask no questions at all, or seem completely fine on the outside while trying to process a major change. Your calm presence can mean more than you realize.
Addressing Basic Needs
Start with what the child needs right now.
1. Is the child physically safe?
Check for any immediate health or safety concerns, including:
- Visible injuries
- Signs of illness, fever, or pain
- Difficulty breathing or other urgent symptoms
- Anything that appears to require immediate medical attention
If you believe the child is experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care immediately.
2. Ask Important Health Questions
As soon as you’re able, ask the child, caseworker, placing agency, or another appropriate adult about important health information.
Find out:
- Does the child have any allergies?
- Does the child take medication regularly?
- Does the child use an inhaler or other medical equipment?
- Does the child have a medical condition you should know about?
- Are there food or dietary restrictions?
- Does the child have any upcoming medical or dental appointments?
Write things down. Even information that seems small can be important later.
3. Offer Comfort Through Basic Care
After a stressful transition, ordinary things can provide a sense of comfort and normalcy.
Offer:
- A drink of water
- A simple meal or snack
- Clean, comfortable clothes
- A bath or shower, if they want one
- A quiet place to rest
- A familiar comfort item, if available
You don’t have to ask a hundred questions right away. Sometimes the best way to communicate “You’re safe here” is simply to offer a meal, a blanket, a glass of water, or a quiet place to breathe.utines.
Reassurance Scripts: Helping a Child Feel Safe
A child who suddenly leaves their home may have questions that are difficult to answer:
- Did I do something wrong?
- Am I going back?
- Why am I here?
- What’s going to happen to me?
You may not know the answers yet, and that’s okay. You don’t have to make promises you can’t keep. Focus on what you can reassure them about.
You might say:
- “You are safe here.”
- “You are not in trouble.”
- “I’m glad you’re here.”
- “We’re going to take this one step at a time.”
- “You don’t have to figure everything out today.”
- “There are adults working together to help.”
If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to say:
“I don’t know yet, but we’ll find out together.”
Being honest while offering reassurance can help build trust. The child doesn’t need you to have every answer. They need to know they don’t have to face the uncertainty alone.
The 24-Hour Mark: Managing the Administrative and School Transition
Once the immediate needs are addressed, other questions may begin to surface. There may be paperwork to complete, school or childcare to contact, appointments to schedule, and information to gather.
It can feel like a lot.
Remember: you do not have to figure out every piece at once.
ASCI works alongside kinship families throughout their journey, helping caregivers connect with information, resources, and support as they navigate the child welfare process.
School or Childcare Notification
If school is in session, contact the child’s school as soon as possible.
Let them know:
- The child has experienced an emergency family placement.
- The child is currently living with you.
- Additional documentation may be provided by the placing agency or caseworker.
The school may ask for temporary caregiver documentation or other educational paperwork. Your caseworker can help explain what documentation is needed so the child’s education can continue with as little disruption as possible.
If the child receives:
- Special education services
- School counseling
- Behavioral supports
- Transportation services
Make sure the school knows about those existing supports so there is as much continuity as possible.
Establish a Predictable Routine
After a major change, knowing what comes next can help a child feel more secure.
You don’t need a complicated schedule. Start with simple, predictable routines:
- Regular meals
- A consistent bedtime
- A morning routine
- Quiet time
- Family check-ins
- Clear expectations about the day
Even small routines can give a child something familiar to hold onto while everything else feels new.
24–48 Hours: Building Stability
As you move beyond the first day, begin thinking about what the child will need to feel settled, not just today, but over the days ahead.
1. Healthcare
Work with your caseworker to make sure you understand the child’s healthcare needs and coverage. Gather important information, including:
- Medications
- Medical equipment (inhalers, glasses, etc.)
- Upcoming appointments
- Providers and pharmacy
Keep a written list of medications, appointments, and important health information somewhere easy to access.
2. Healthy Boundaries
Family connections can be incredibly important to children in kinship care. At the same time, contact with biological parents and other family members should follow the guidance and safety plan provided by the caseworker or placing agency.
You might say:
- “We want you to stay connected, but we’ll follow the agency’s safety plan.”
The goal is to support the child’s relationships while following the plan that has been established for their safety and well-being.
3. Take Care of Yourself, Too
By the second day, you may realize just how much has changed.
You may be tired. You may be emotional. You may be wondering whether you’re doing enough.
Give yourself permission to acknowledge those feelings.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. You are part of the child’s support system, too.
When you can:
- Eat something
- Drink water
- Get some rest
- Accept help
- Ask questions
- Give yourself a moment to breathe
You don’t have to carry everything by yourself.
4. Keep Important Contacts Handy
Put important phone numbers and information in one place so you aren’t searching for them when you need them.
Keep contact information for:
- Your caseworker, including after-hours contact information
- The child-placing agency
- Pediatrician, pharmacy, and therapist
- School contacts
- Trusted family members or friends who can provide support
Consider saving these contacts in your phone and keeping a written copy somewhere at home.
You’re Not Alone
The first 48 hours may feel like a lot. You may not have every answer, every supply, or every part of the plan figured out, and that’s okay. Start with what the child needs right now. Make sure they are safe. Offer comfort. Create a little routine. Ask questions. Reach out when you need help. Then take the next step. Every meal you prepare, every reassuring conversation, every bedtime routine, and every moment you spend helping a child feel safe matters.
You stepped forward when this child needed someone. You don’t have to know everything to make a difference.
Need Help Getting Started?
Use ASCI’s resources to find practical information, helpful guidance, and support as you navigate kinship care. Explore the Kinship Connections Resource Library for more tips, information, and resources to help you feel more prepared along the way.