2020 was a year like no other. It looked drastically different for all of us, including the tens of thousands of families the Children’s Trust serves each year.
While reports of abuse and neglect have decreased since March 2020, that does not mean children are safe. Sadly, the number of reports of child abuse and neglect are likely only down because many children are no longer under the watchful eye of the professionals who typically make reports.
In fact, abuse and neglect generally increase in times of stress and isolation. As parents struggle to manage the extraordinary circumstances brought on by this pandemic, children are at risk.
COVID-19 Response:
Staying Connected
When the pandemic hit, we understood that families would be hurting and many would need our help more than ever. In response, we quickly transitioned programs to virtual formats so that essential services would not miss a beat.
By mid-March, our program staff were using tablets that we had provided to check in with parents and children virtually. We have remained closely connected with families across the Commonwealth because we know they are counting on our guidance and support.
"During COVID, I was experiencing a very tough time financially, mentally, and emotionally. Healthy Families [a Children’s Trust program] was there to support me by checking up on me every day."
- Children's Trust Program Participant
Amid this crisis, the Children’s Trust has remained steadfast in our commitment to children and families.
Number of families receiving services: 20,000
Home visitors from Healthy Families Massachusetts utilized video chat technology to continue meeting regularly with young, first-time parents.
Family Centers and Parenting Education and Support Programs moved parent support groups and playgroups online, using tools such as Facebook Live and Zoom.
Our parenting website, onetoughjob.org, added articles with timely topics to support parents struggling through the pandemic.
Visitors increased drastically to AllBabiesCry.org, a resource for infant caretakers with videos about comforting your baby, what’s normal about crying, self-care tips for staying calm, and more.
SafeKidsThrive.org, the first-of-its-kind website to prevent child sexual abuse, was launched.
The first SAFE Child Community, a comprehensive, community-wide prevention initiative, serving lower Cape Cod, was launched.
“Thanks for sticking with me when
everyone else closed up and said 'see ya!'"
- Children's Trust Program Participant
To view our fiscal year 2020 annual report, click here.
