Perspectives on and Utility of DNA Data and Facial Recognition Technologies to Aid Postdisaster Family Reunifications.

Following a disaster, each passing hour and day of family separation erodes children's health and wellbeing. Hospital networks must prioritize expeditious reunifications while safeguarding children, yet despite advances in biometric technologies and data protection, healthcare systems and disaster response organizations are unprepared to integrate biometric tools into postdisaster family reunification strategies. Biometric data (eg, fingerprints, facial images, dental records, DNA data) are deployed routinely for postmortem disaster victim identifications; however, deployment for family reunifications, such as in hospital settings, is hindered by access challenges, technological limitations, and perceived risks. Although DNA kinship analysis is particularly valuable for reunification, not only for postmortem identifications but also for reconnecting genetic relatives, especially children who cannot self-identify, varying attitudes towards biometrics may limit its use. Understanding discomfort with biometric technologies among families and healthcare providers is critical to their effective deployment for reunifications. We therefore sought to (1) assess perceived utility of and willingness to use biometric data in varied postdisaster contexts and (2) identify postdisaster family separation scenarios where biometric technologies could be beneficial. Using child separation vignettes featuring varied disaster types, scales, and timelines, we surveyed 364 caregivers and 131 healthcare providers in the Chicago area. The results showed general support for the use of DNA and facial recognition technology in postdisaster family reunifications. In parallel, we documented real-life separation scenarios, capturing key factors influencing the utility of biometric tools. Findings suggest that disaster preparedness that considers the potential for family separation must include strategies to effectively use biometric data to assist reunifications, in accordance with the best interests of the child.