The virus that causes Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person, is a new strain of coronavirus. There is also information from the TN Department of Health and the Office of Governor Bill Lee. However, with higher levels of stress in this uncertain time, children being cooped up with parents or caregivers for longer periods of time, and the impact that unemployment may have on the family, the number of children being physically abused or neglected is likely to be higher than normal.It is more important than ever to increase awareness that EVERYONE in Tennessee is a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect.
Save Time in the Line.
Although we missed seeing so many of you, we are grateful we were able to hold many of our events this season and look forward… The Child Abuse Hotline continues to operate and has never been down during this crisis. But to save time in line, first visit coronavirus.dc.gov/register to create a profile from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. We encourage anyone interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent to visit our The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees child care resources and licensure.
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents and others who work closely with children to filter information and talk about it in a way children can understand. Find COVID-19 Information and Resources When a worker needs to conduct a face to face visit, we have provided guidance to employees to contact the home before each visit. We encourage neighbors, friends, family and even parents to be vigilant and to call the Child Abuse Hotline (1-877-237-0004) if they suspect any incidents of child abuse or neglect.The number of calls to the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline has decreased this Spring compared to the same time period in 2019. DCS received permission from the federal Children’s Bureau to conduct caseworker visits by videoconference, due to the extraordinary circumstances, but is making face-to-face visits if videoconferencing isn’t available. Decisions regarding altering or enforcing parenting plans would be addressed by the court.However, if your child is currently in DCS custody or there is an open DCS case, we encourage you to reach out to the caseworker or supervisor assigned to your case with any questions you may have. Staff are also following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Tennessee Department of Health.Yes, DCS continues to place new foster children every day. Upon contact, each employee will use a health questionnaire developed from guidance provided by the Tennessee Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control that helps them determine when a face-to-face visit can occur.In addition, DCS is working with the Governor’s Unified Command and TEMA to obtain personal protective supplies for front-line employees.
The same practices regarding symptom and temperature checks and suspension of visitors are currently underway at Wilder Youth Development Center, which is operated by the department.This is a real concern. There were Yes, court-ordered face-to-face visitation is continuing in person. The virus is thought to spread primarily: COVID-19 Coronavirus - A message for Caregivers #1 | Arizona Department of Child Safety Family visits are also happening by videoconference, when possible. If there is an impact due to COVID-19, DCS will inform providers. As always, our priority is ensuring the safety, permanency and well-being of children by building strong, healthy and empowered families. DCS is asking screening questions of children and their parents prior to placement and children are receiving initial medical exams within 72 hours of placement.Foster parents who have any symptoms of a respiratory infection (cough, sore throat, fever above 100.4 or shortness of breath), should contact their healthcare providers. Per CDC guidelines, those running a temperature of 100.4 or higher should not be permitted to enter the facilities. The virus that causes Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person, is a new strain of coronavirus.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps:There's a lot of news coverage about the outbreak of COVID-19 and it can be overwhelming for parents and frightening to kids. A message about the Coronavirus from the Encore DCS Staff COVID 19 Update – Our plan for 2020-2021!