This KARE-11 report points out that child abuse is undoubtedly rising due to Covid-19 related economic stress, but is hidden while children are at home, isolated from mandated reporters.
This makes in-person child protection investigations and assessments more critical than ever. As this Department of Human Services (DHS) tool shows, few if any of the 12 indicators of maltreatment can be evaluated by phone or videoconference.
Public health nursing programs, Emergency Departments, childcare centers, and women’s shelters have developed guidelines like these for keeping workers and clients safe.
Child protection workers should be treated like other first responders and critical service providers. DHS and counties should be fighting to get them protective equipment, and should provide the training and policy guidance needed to minimize risks to themselves and their clients.