Supporting Safety and Well-being of Children and Families during COVID-19

The following information is from a tip sheet created by Sacramento County, for the full tip sheet, please access it at the below link: 

The outbreak of COVID‐19 is a concern on everyone’s mind. While we may be comforted to know that the risk to our children’s physical health from the outbreak itself appears to be low, child and family serving agencies are worried about the increased risk for child abuse and neglect during this time of crisis and economic insecurity. Reports to child abuse hotlines across the nation have declined dramatically during the pandemic. In Sacramento County alone, reports have decreased by 45‐50%. These statistics are not surprising – when children stay at home, they are isolated from places where adults often look out for their safety and well‐being including schools, day care, primary care providers, places of worship, and other public areas.

We have a collective responsibility to ensure kids in our community are safe and healthy, even during challenging times. While it may be difficult to maintain our normal connection with children during the COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders, there are other ways we can address the safety and well‐being of our children and families. This guide provides tips for teachers, social workers, counselors, day care providers and others who work with children and contact them virtually.

The guide was created by the Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, with input from First 5 Sacramento, Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC), Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, Sacramento (CASA), and Child Action.