Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, this page will be updated with resources from CACs and our partner agencies for child abuse professionals, educators, parents, caregivers and youth on how to navigate these uncertain times.
If you suspect abuse or neglect of a child, please call the Child-at-Risk Hotline at (800) 792-5200. If it is an emergency dial 911.
Professionals:
CAC and MDT Professionals
- TEND Academy – TEND Academy offers resources and training to address the complex needs of high stress, trauma-exposed workplaces. They have also complied a list of resources here.
- National Children’s Alliance– National Children’s Alliance (NCA) is the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs). NCA has complied a list of COVID-19 resources for CAC and MDT professionals.
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network- NCTSN is a network of frontline providers, family members, researchers, and national partners is committed to changing the course of children’s lives by improving their care and moving scientific gains quickly into practice across the U.S. NCTSN has created resources for parents and professionals, in both English and Spanish, on coping with public health emergencies.
Teachers and School Based Professionals
The following were adapted from a resource created by the Granite State Children’s Alliance:
Parents and Caregivers:
- Suffolk County Children’s Advocacy Center– The Suffolk County CAC has resources for Emotional Support & Safety, Talking with Youth about COVID-19, Helping Children Cope and at home activities for youth and children. They also offer links community resources for Boston, MA.
- Parental Stress Hotline- 24/7– A toll-free, confidential helpline for parents who need to discuss issues related to their children. Trained volunteer counselors offer support, empathy, encouragement, information, referrals, and crisis intervention. (800) 632-8188*
- Darkness to Light- The Protecting Children During a Crisis is a free 30 minute training about parenting during crisis, including how to create a crisis plan.
- World Health Organization– #HealthyAtHome- Healthy parenting offers resources to support parents and projects that engage children in understanding COVID-19.
- ChildTrends– Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic offers resources and activities for parents and caregivers to support children’s emotional wellbeing.
Children and Youth
- National Public Radio has created a cartoon for kids to help explain the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource is also available in Chinese and Spanish.
- Sesame Street in Communities has created resources for children and families on health emergencies.
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children– With increased time spent online, reviewing internet safety with children is important. NCMEC’s NetSmartz web series has a web series for student in K-5 on how to stay safe online. NSTeens offers resources for teens to stay safe online.
- My Hero Is You– My Hero is You is a book, written by a collaboration of organizations working in the humanitarian sector, for children around the world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. **should be read by a parent, caregiver or teacher alongside a child or a small group of children**