During this time of social distancing, the DHS
Child Welfare Program encourages Oregonians to check in with families and
continue to engage with child welfare when appropriate.
The COVID-19 pandemic creates many challenges
for families, which could impact child safety, including:
- Lack of access to
medical care
- Lack of face time with
mandated reporters
- Limited access to
regular meals due to school closures
- Known exposure to
COVID-19 or symptomatic people
- Close contact with
someone who is considered high risk if infected with COVID-19
DHS encourages community
members to check in with at-risk families -- including young children, children
and adults with developmental delays or other medical vulnerabilities, isolated
children and families, and youth and families with severe emotional/mental
health needs – through phone, email, or by safe distance.
Not sure how to check on
your neighbors? These questions will help you ask about family well being.
Sharing resource information for food banks,
unemployment benefits, SNAP availability, and educational resources can be
extremely helpful.