When the world declared COVID-19 a global pandemic at the beginning of the year, everyone began taking precautions to protect their communities. Throughout the year we have seen new rhythms established, from social distancing, to mandatory masks in public, to lockdowns, all in attempt to prevent the spread of the virus.
Even we at Safe Families for Children sprung into action to help create guidelines to help support our host families, volunteers and staff.
While all these things are occurring, there have been many consequences, specifically due to the lockdown orders that have risen.
A Situation
Over the span of March, in the state of Oregon, there was a report released by a local news station that child abuse reports dropped 70% due the lockdown orders for COVID-19. They went on to explain that this was a result of the isolation of families, which made it very difficult to have officials report cases.
Usually, those who are around children most often, like teachers and pastors, were able to evaluate if a child looked like they were in need of assistance. However, when everything switched to “stay-at-home” orders, the inability to personally witness and see those at risk in crisis situations, prohibited those officials to report any signs of abuse.
As a result, this had many in the Child and Family Welfare world worried for an expected tsunami of pain and trauma after the lockdown orders were lifted.
The report sparked a growing concern for those vulnerable families within not only Oregon, but the country, calling for a solution. Here at Safe Families, we understand that we are not only fighting off a virus, but we are fighting off isolation as a result. Connection, community, and accountability are going to work towards that solution. If one feels like they have a connection with someone when things take a turn for the worse, then one will more than likely succeed in the situation, protecting the children in vulnerable situations.
The Need for Action
Here at Safe Families for Children, we are urging everyone to take action. There are isolated families in crisis within every community in need of radical hospitality who aren’t seen. The isolation for struggling families in times like these can be so much to do alone.
We remind you that the need for radical hospitality and amazing community is greater than ever. In seasons of uncertainty, we understand how difficult it may be to consider opening your home to the unknown, in just the slightest way. However, every volunteer with Safe Families for Children can change the trajectory of a family’s life by simply just searching and acting in any way they can. When you take even the slightest jump, you can change a vulnerable child’s life track.
Get involved
Now more than ever, the vulnerable are in need of generosity, love, and support. As the pandemic results in isolation, and many becoming unemployed, the number of at-risk families grows daily. The heart of Safe Families for Children is to support these parents in crisis, getting them back on their feet again. We are forever grateful for the parents that volunteer their own home to those children in crisis, and building community with those vulnerability.
We need you now more than ever, as we continue to aid these families in crisis during these times. We want to encourage you to join us in supporting and celebrating those parents in your community this Sunday, in ways that you are able–whether by time or donation.
Every single gift to Safe Families is matched with up to $1000 per donor through our partnership with Stand Together. With every donation, you allow us to make a greater impact for God’s Kingdom, helping those vulnerable families, and displaying the love of Christ to them.
To learn more about who we are and how to get involved visit: https://safe-families.org