Compiled by Keyna Franklin, Rise Parent Leader
04/23/2020 – Virtual Visits in a Time of Uncertainty + Resources for Parents
04/08/2020 – Survival During Triggering Times – Resources for Parents
04/01/2020 – Info for Parents Impacted by COVID-19 + Child Welfare
05/07/2020 – New Rise TIPS for Coping with Video Visits
The coronavirus shutdown is putting stress on families and is negatively impacting families with child welfare involvement: Courts are closed, hearings are delayed and in-person visits and services are canceled. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Children’s Bureau has issued guidance to child welfare agencies.
Here, Jerry Milner, the Associate Commissioner of the U.S. Children’s Bureau, and David Kelly, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, explain parents’ rights and protections during the pandemic. They also discuss their guidance to child welfare agencies and courts and their vision for child welfare reform.
Since the COVID-19 shutdown began, my emotions have flip-flopped between anger at the system, understanding for the safety of my children, and sadness in not seeing them, holding them, playing with them and reading to them. I feel a sense of helplessness knowing that, right now, their well-being is absolutely out of my control. I hope that soon this nightmare will end.
In the coming weeks, Rise will publish a new series about parents’ legal rights and representation, as well as related legislation. Our goal is to familiarize parents with legal processes that you can potentially seek out, such as early representation or a lawsuit against the child welfare system. The series will also highlight legal protections that you can advocate for through legislation.
Rise is working to uplift parents’ voices and advocate for parents’ needs. Please share your experience with Rise. NYC parents can also join our weekly online support groups led by Rise parent leaders and NYC parent advocates.
