COVID Impact on Families-Special report

We are witnessing an immediate crisis for families juggling financial stress, job loss, virtual schooling, and challenges in accessing technology and high-speed internet. Families involved in child welfare are experiencing additional stressors as they attempt to meet agency expectations in the midst of the pandemic. Black and Native families are disproportionality impacted by COVID and yet are not receiving proportionate support.

Prevent Child Abuse Oregon (PCAO), through their Prevention Community Advisory Council, engaged over 400 parents and 45 community leaders to identify the most pressing issues facing Oregon’s children and families during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Findings include:

1. Families, especially those with younger school-aged   children (5-8), are at a crisis point with virtual school. 
2. Disparities in access to technology and internet among our most vulnerable children, especially those in rural communities, leave them with little to no access to essential virtual supports.
3. Mental health support that is responsive to culture and language is in dire need. 
4. Youth are at increased risk for online sexual predators.
5. Children and youth in unsafe home environments have always been told “tell a trusted adult” but currently lack confidential access to these adults.
6. Safe and stable housing it at risk for many families.

Read the full report HERE or just download the quick 2-page Overview.

In response to these findings, PCAO will:

• Beginning January 2021, we are launching a virtual emotional support series with Dr. Amy Stoeber, Licensed Psychologist and Trauma-Informed Consultant, along with a parent consultant: “I DIDN’T SIGN UP FOR THIS”.
  • This series will validate the experiences of parents, address their concerns, and create a safe space for families to process stress in their current environment. It will offer tangible tools for parents to support their children and manage overwhelming stress.
• Create statewide partnerships to elevate the struggles all parents are experiencing and ways families can cope.

 
Partner with PCAO to support Oregon’s children and families:

Offer Financial Support

• PCAO is investing in the initial launch of Dr. Amy’s parenting series for children of all ages.  Will you consider investing?
• How else might you be able to invest in our efforts?

Provide Expertise - What is Your Role?

• Create connections for parents – providing support groups or mentoring for parents
• Create connections for parents within school settings, to provided much needed support
• Connect community partners to align resources to better support children and families
• Weigh-in on the recommendations, or share new ideas, particularly on how to effectively provide relief for families

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