The timeline of the pandemic is uncertain and families across the nation are experiencing stress and irritability. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and child welfare experts were asked what they were most concerned about during these unprecedented times. Here are their top three concerns:
- Since schools and daycares closed down for the remainder of the school year, daily routines have been disrupted which causes stress within some families.
- Families are experiencing economic loses and may have been laid of from work. Households are more likely irritable, trying to keep up with children and finances.
- Children are isolated from other supportive adults, including teachers. Teachers were able to provide oversight in class and could ask children if they are alright but now, they are unable to see.
If you need resources, please check out our COVID-19 resources page and consider calling these numbers if you or someone you know is in distress:
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-422-4453
- SAMHSA’s Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990 or text “talk with us” to 66746
- Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Oklahoma Heartline – 211
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/why-child-welfare-experts-fear-a-spike-of-abuse-during-covid-19
For more tips and resources for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/.
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