Measures Enforced to Protect Communities from Global Pandemic
When the world declared COVID-19 a global pandemic at the beginning of the year, everyone began taking precautions to protect their communities. Throughout the year we have seen new rhythms established, from social distancing, to mandatory masks in public, to lockdowns, all in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus.
Even the staff at Christian Family Care and Safe Families sprung into action to help create guidelines to help support our host families, volunteers, and staff. While all these things are occurring, there have been many consequences, specifically due to the stay-at-home orders.
Drastic Drop in Child Abuse Reporting
Between March-May, child abuse reports in Arizona dropped 30%, largely due to the lockdown orders for COVID-19. DCS officials explain this is likely a result of the isolation of families and students, which made it very difficult to have mandated reporters report cases of abuse and neglect.
Usually, those who are around children most often, like teachers, were able to evaluate if a child looked like they needed assistance. However, when everything switched to “stay-at-home” orders, the inability to personally witness and see those at risk in crises, prohibited those officials from reporting any signs of abuse.
As a result, this had many in the child and family welfare world worried about an expected tsunami of pain and trauma after the lockdown orders were lifted.
Here at Safe Families, we understand that we are not only fighting a virus, but we are fighting isolation as well. Connection, community, and accountability are going to work towards creating strong and healthy families. If parents feel like they have a connection with someone when things take a turn for the worse, then they will more than likely get back on their feet, protecting the children in vulnerable situations.
How You Can Get Involved
Now more than ever, vulnerable families and children are in need of generosity, love, and support. As the pandemic results in isolation, and many becoming unemployed, the number of at-risk families grows daily. The heart of Safe Families for Children is to support these parents in crisis, getting them back on their feet again.
As we continue to aid these families in crisis during these times, we’re asking for your help. If you’re interested in learning how to become a Host Family, Family Friend, or Family Coach, please click here.
If this season isn’t right for you to open the doors to your home to families in crisis, we ask that you consider a gift to support this program. Every single gift to Safe Families is matched up to $1,000 per donation thanks to an incredible partnership with Stand Together.
When you give through the button below, you will be directed to Christian Family Care’s national giving page which will then allow our organization to receive the matching dollars.
With every gift, you allow us to make a greater impact for God’s Kingdom, helping those vulnerable families, and displaying the love of Christ to them. Join us in multiplying your gift today!
EN 
ES