Lockdown is more than an inconvenience for vulnerable children

What this episode covers

Reports of child abuse and neglect have fallen amidst stay-at-home orders and school closings. This raises questions about the ability of Child Protective Services to detect cases of maltreatment. Are caseworkers running into barriers as they attempt to investigate the situations of at-risk children under social distancing orders? Have increased stress and hardship led to a silent spike in child abuse and neglect? Which children face the greatest risk of maltreatment? How can teachers, social workers, and officials work together to make sure fewer cases of child abuse and neglect go unnoticed? In this episode, Naomi and Ian discuss these questions with Sarah Font , an Associate Professor of Sociology at Penn State University who specializes in child welfare issues. Sarah outlines the current state of child welfare during the pandemic, and she discusses opportunities for leaders to step in and ensure that more children are protected from abuse and neglect. Show Notes: 0:45 | Why have reports of child abuse and neglect fallen during the pandemic? 3:15 | What should states do to make sure at-risk children are safe? 7:00 | How can schools and community-based institutions perform wellness checks on at-risk children? 9:45 | Which children are most at-risk? 11:00 | Caseworkers making home visits during pandemic Resources: – Coronavirus Tips & Resources for Parents, Children, Educators & Others | Prevent Child Abuse America – In danger, at home | City Journal – During Pandemic, New York and Los Angeles Take Different Paths on Family Visits | Chronicle of Social Change – There’s a big difference between poverty and neglect | Institute for Family Studies

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