How the Coronavirus is Affecting Foster Youth

The Coronavirus has affected everyone in more ways than expected, and it has changed a lot of circumstances surrounding everyday things like schools, movie theaters, and grocery stores. What a lot of people may not realize though, is how the Coronavirus has changed the foster care system, and how it has affected the children who rely on it. 

USA Today reported on the need for foster families now more than ever, back at the beginning of April. A “family center” foster agency in Columbus, Ohio was urging eligible families to take children into their homes if the resources were available; trying to decrease the impact of the virus if it were to infect anyone within the family center. Child welfare workers are “overwhelmed but pressing on”. Whether in person or via technological connections, they’re focused on supporting new and existing foster arrangements and on helping at-risk families keep their kids safely at home.

The New York Times reported that the Coronavirus has created a very uncertain environment for foster youth and parents alike, as a lot of the necessary precautions that need to be taken before placing a child in a home can not be done at this time. This same article also reports that many adoptions have been affected as well, especially international. Families planning on flying overseas for visits have now canceled, and even domestic adoptions have had to be put on hold to avoid the risk of transmitting the virus from unknowing carriers to anyone else. 

Kamali’i continues to keep updated on the latest news and policies surrounding the virus and our state’s legislation. As of now, our county has issued that the stay at home order be extended until June 19. Governor Gavin Newsom also announced the investments aimed at protecting at-risk and children in foster care who may be impacted by COVID-19, $42 million in funding over the next three months is intended to support foster children and reduce child abuse. Financial support that may assist our Resource Families and the children that they work with falls under the “$1.7 million in Additional Support for Resource Families impacted by COVID-19”. We will continue to keep you updated under the news section of our website, and we are wishing you and your families health and safety every day.