ily Advocacy Program, including how to connect with a victim advocate near you, for help with domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, or problematic sexual behavior in children and youth.
National Military Family Association, What Military Families Need to Know about COVID-19: Provides information and resources from the National Military Family Association about access to COVID-19 vaccines and testing. The webpage also links to TRICARE military health care plan information.
Free Respite Relief Program Provides Aid to Military Caregivers Amid Pandemic (February 2021): The American Association for Retired Persons [AARP] and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation are assisting those caring for injured veterans and service members by providing a no-cost ”Hidden Heroes” Respite Relief Program for Military and Veteran Caregivers. For those who are caring for a wounded, ill or injured veteran or service member during COVID-19, CareLinx can provide intervals of rest and relief through qualified in-home respite care providers, and national outreach support by AARP and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Health Coverage Options for Afghan Evacuees: Releases an updated fact sheet, based on recent legislative changes, to help states and advocacy organizations understand what health coverage options are available to Afghan evacuees. The Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS] clarifies that Afghan evacuees in the U.S. are eligible for health coverage through Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program [CHIP], the Health Insurance Marketplace, or refugee medical assistance [RMA] or other health coverage provided by the Office of Refugee Resettlement [ORR]. RMA is provided through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and administered in most cases by state Medicaid programs. Eligibility for each coverage program depends on the state where an evacuee is residing, and the eligibility criteria for the respective program.
ACF COVID-19 Response & Resources: Provides curated resources and information for the federal Administration for Children and Families [ACF]'s mission-related issues and programs affected by COVID-19. As the COVID-19 public health emergency continues to evolve, ACF provides links to the latest CDC information and pertinent federal guidance, along with relevant resources to support grantees, partners, and stakeholders support children, families, and communities in need during this challenging time.
Second Step Recommendations for Teaching Remotely - Child Protection Unit: Guides adaptation of the Second Step® child protection unit curriculum to the context of remote learning. This curriculum from the Committee for Children is available for students in Pre-K through elementary grade levels.
Child Welfare: Pandemic Posed Challenges, but also Created Opportunities for Agencies to Enhance Future Operations (GAO-21-483): Examines how child welfare agencies have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The US Government Accountability Office [GAO] surveyed administrators in all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Officials reported declines in child abuse reports and concerns about unreported cases, as children had less contact with mandated reporters such as teachers. The pandemic also delayed child welfare hearings. At the same time, officials in most areas reported using federal relief funds to provide families with assistance (e.g. formula and diapers). They have expanded, and may continue after the pandemic abates, to provide virtual services, such as for visits between children in foster care and biological families.
Protecting Children During the COVID-19 Outbreak: Shares most recent data and informative updates to protect children from COVID-19 and related risks of violence. The End Violence Against Children community emphasizes the vulnerability of children during this time while addressing short-term and far-reaching implications impacting individuals’ work.
COVID-19: Heightened Risk of Abuse and Neglect: Summarizes how child protection risks (physical and emotional maltreatmen