Center: Infographic: COVID-19 and Children at Risk

COVID-19 and Children at Risk The COVID-19 pandemic and associated response measures have led to unprecedented challenges for service providers working with vulnerable children and families around the world.

87

NonGovernmental Organizations

SERVING

According to survey data from...

454,637

Vulnerable Children & Families

How have children and families been directly impacted by COVID-19?

74% of NGOs reported that families in their programs had lost income.

“So many families in our program are losing their daily income and wondering where their next meal will come from.”

31% said that those they serve

were unable to get adequate material goods like food and medicine.

55% reported an increase in the

“Some have lost lives in the name of curfew.”

cost of goods.

Many reported increased exposure to violence, at home and in the community.

What are the government responses?

Disseminating health-related information (about the virus, hand washing, lockdowns, etc.)

What are the service gaps?

17%

Only of NGOs reported that governments provided support to children or families, though many announced their intention to do so.

Many NGOs wished the government would consider them an "essential service" so they can begin operating once again.

43

In

Countries Around the World

What is the impact of the pandemic on services provided by NGOs? “Almost all work of our organisation in the field is suspended…”

100% reported that they were

unable to deliver typical services to the children and families they serve.

61%

said they weren't allowed to provide services that require travel (like home visits and wellness checks).

“Children are experienced a 20% or more being sent out decrease in funding. of care without any case management Many were mandated to rapidly or support/ reunify children with biological family preparation.” often without any plan or support.

42%

What strategies have been effective in filling these gaps?

Increased communication between...

“We keep calling the families to remind them of the required practices and how we can support each of them.”

“Our team prays for 15 minutes each morning really grounding and centering…”

Program staff and beneficiaries Staff members Beneficiaries Staff and key partners (gov't workers) Staff and donors Supportive practices like...

Supporting self-care Creating predicable routines Creating and attending virtual training Prioritizing play Implementing spiritual practices

COVID-19 and Children at Risk Suggestions for NGOs Revise strategy Although the mission and vision will likely remain the same, the strategy for how to achieve the vision may look quite different. Activities, timelines, resources, and constraints may shift. View this as an opportunity for innovation, rather than a hindrance to the original plan.

Suggestions for Government Develop an action plan for children in adversity Include representatives from health, economic, child protection, education, and private sectors.

Communicate clearly, ensure the social workforce are considered essential workers, and ensure that the plan is fully implemented.

Adapt approaches

Mitigate restrictive measures

Can a meeting be done virtually instead? Adhering to standards, while adjusting expectations, is critical when experiencing unexpected constraints.

All response measures should be weighed against the mental, physical, social, and economic needs of the population. The rigor of response measures should be reflective of the severity of the outbreak.

Learn from what works Adjusting strategy and adapting approaches may require additional learning. Seek out guidance and support from other programs that have implemented what you desire to do. By doing so, you can simplify your process and avoid unnecessary pitfalls.

Facilitate connection With all of the challenges and constraints facing vulnerable children and families, service providers can provide a key supporting role. Conveying hope, creating avenues for connection, and normalizing struggles can be key to limiting the negative consequences of isolation.

Empower communities Strengthening community resources and networks to enhance response to the pandemic and associated restrictions encourages a framework that can safeguard children and support families now and in the future. Choosing to engage, learn from, and trust community stakeholders can expand the network of care for children and families at risk.

"NGOs and other serviced-based organizations have a vital role to play in supporting vulnerable children and families in situations of distress."

Prioritize families & communities Be aware of risks to families during this time, including lack of income, no school or childcare, and little access to needed services. Allowing families the opportunity and authority to problem-solve in the face of adversity is one way governments can support innovative solutions.

Coordinate with key stakeholders Governments cannot do this alone, but can serve as a coordinating hub for NGOs and other key stakeholders. More collaborative efforts mean more effective support for vulnerable children and families.

End rapid return of children to biological families Changes in a child’s placement requires significant preparation and monitoring. Times of collective distress are not suited for making changes and long-term placement decisions.

"Those who are most impacted by crises are those who are already the most vulnerable.

Children outside of parental care and families at risk of separation are among this group."

Based on research by Nicole Gilbertson Wilke, Amanda Hiles Howard, and Delia Pop