Child Welfare Professionals Attending to Risks for Abuse and Neglect During COVID-19: A Guided Reflection

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Intended audience: Child welfare, foster care and adoption supervisors, directors and administrators; Group home supervisors/directors

Key Issues/Concerns:

• Supporting staff in their efforts to monitor risk of abuse and neglect for children currently involved in the child welfare system including those residing with family members, those in foster or kinship care and those in congregate care
• Recognizing the potential for trauma response in light of pandemic and “shelter in place” practices which may increase the likelihood of regressions and maladaptive behavioral patterns that could result in greater risk of abuse
• Consider the impact of mental health and substance abuse problems for some parents their contribution to increase in risk for abuse and neglect
• Sensitivity to practices and stresses that may be intensified in congregate care settings and minimizing risk for institutional abuse
• The importance of reflective practice for child welfare professionals to increase greater awareness and responsivity to the families in their care and to minimize risk of vicarious traumatization and compassion fatigue in the workforce
• Resources specific to child welfare

Related Resources

• Webinar Resources: Addressing Abuse and Neglect During COVID-19
• Related Critical Competencies^TM course materials
• Resources for Professionals: Coronavirus
• Tips for Families: Coronavirus