Dear Angels Families,
Here are some additional updates/guidance for Resource Parents in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Again, the situation is so fluid that you will likely continue to receive updates daily as we are informed of new information. From now on, for tracking purposes, I will be numbering these updates with this being update #1.
Also, if anyone in your household tests positive for COVID-19 or if you have been exposed to COVID-19 please let your CCM know right away.
Home Visits
- As of right now, home visits between CCMs and children/families are still required on a weekly basis for most cases. CCMs will make every effort to see children. CCMs will be checking in with families to inquire if any member of the household is currently ill with a fever or respiratory issues and if so, we will reschedule and/or do a "virtual" home visit via Skype/Face Time or similar. The same will occur if a CCM is ill. If a CCM can perform their usual weekly home visit, they will practice social distancing and this visit will be a brief check-in (sometimes right at the door). Should any family need additional time and support, this shall be provided remotely via phone or video conference.
- The County still has the requirement of seeing dependent children on a monthly basis. If your child hasn’t seen their county social worker yet this month, expect the visit to occur.
- Even if there is a shelter in place order or similar state/county directives/requirements, please note that child welfare may fall under an “essential services” category and home visits may continue to occur throughout this emergency.
- The County has informed us that in regards to child abuse referrals, staff will still be expected to make unannounced visits for investigatory purposes.
Parent/Family Visitation
- There is currently a court order in place suspending visits between children and their biological parents/family. This order is in place until 5 pm on Friday, March 20. The order may be extended and if it is, we will provide you with that update.
Medical appointments/Injury reporting
- We have heard from many families they were unable to be seen by medical personal for routine injuries not requiring medical attention, and for routine well-child exams. Please check in with your child's pediatrician if you have a scheduled WCC or other appointment to see if the medical visits are still happening. If you are not able to be seen, document it and let your CCM know.
- So far we have received no additional guidance about changes to the injury reporting requirement and doctor’s visits for head/neck/face injuries. But based on medical providers not seeing kids for non-essential visits, I would say do your best to follow the policy and document all your attempts if you are not able to be seen for routine injuries. Continue to report injuries to your CCM/on-call line so we can continue to write incident reports and follow our reporting requirements to the county/state.
Juvenile Court
- Currently, the juvenile courts are closed to any hearings/trials other than detention hearings (those hearings that determine whether or not a child can be brought into care).
Words of positivity:
Additionally, I want to thank all of our families for being patient, flexible, and level headed during this difficult time. I think that you are all well prepared for this journey because you foster children and have already been forced to be all these things! But thank you for doing your best to bear with us, follow guidelines and safety requirements, and continue to take wonderful care of your children.
If you need anything, please always check in with your CCM or me and we will see what we can do to help. We have quite a few families/parents/others connected with Angels who have volunteered to help out in any way they can so if you have any child care needs or need help with supplies or something similar, we may be able to link you with helpers.
Please stay healthy and safe! Thanks, everyone.
