Coronavirus, Kids and Families

The Imprint‘s Coverage of Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice in a Time of Pandemic

Surviving the Coronavirus Crisis: Foster Youth Speak Out

Coronavirus Funding for Child Welfare and Family Services

to view a running thread of all our coverage from the first few weeks of the pandemic. 

‘There’s No Magic in Turning 21:’ New York Legislators Are the Last Hope for Young Adults in Foster Care

After pleas to Gov. Cuomo went unanswered, advocates for foster youth are backing legislation that would extend housing and financial support beyond 21.

L.A. Leaders Look to Save Job Training Program for Foster and Homeless Youth

Battling a nearly $1 billion budget gap, Los Angeles scrounges for funds to save a program that links vulnerable young people with county jobs.

New York Averts COVID-related Lapse in Early Intervention Therapy for Toddlers with Developmental Delays

Hundreds of New York state toddlers on the cusp of losing therapeutic services got a reprieve Monday when the state extended the deadline for re-evaluation.

Federal Immigration Agency Must Release Children from Family Detention Centers, Judge Rules

A federal judge ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to release minors held in family detention facilities for more than 20 days by July 17.

In New York, Hundreds of 3-Year-Olds With Disabilities Are on the Brink of Losing Services

Hundreds of New York 3-year-olds with developmental delays and disabilities may lose access to in-home special services next week.

OPINION: During Coronavirus, High-Quality Legal Representation Can Be a Lifesaver for Families

High-quality legal representation has proven invaluable to helping keep families close or at least in contact during a national crisis

OPINION: The World Is Watching: Can We Finally Address Our Nation’s Youth Mental Health Crisis?

In light of U.N. fears about the pandemic’s traumatic effects, Reed Connell says it’s time to address America’s insufficient response to child mental health

CarePortal Aims to Connect Churches with Families Caught in COVID-19 Crisis

CarePortal partners with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to offer relief aid to families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

Eleven Weeks. 686 Partners. 6,630 Phones and Laptops.

Serita Cox, CEO of iFoster, explains how a partnership mobilized in the chaos of coronavirus yielded thousands of laptops and phones for foster youth

New York Youth Shelters and Drop-In Centers Struggle to Balance Safety with Access

Many homeless youth rely on shelters and drop-ins for a safe space during the day or to sleep – in New York City, opening them safely is still a challenge

$800 Million Federal Emergency Fund Proposed to Prevent Family, Youth Homelessness

A bipartisan group of Senators is pushing for an $800 Million emergency fund to help stabilize family and youth housing supports amid the pandemic

Los Angeles Drops Need for Court Appearance for Uncontested Adoptions During Court Closures

Los Angeles courts will now use a remote process to finalize uncontested adoptions, unsticking a process that has stalled hundreds of unions since March

OPINION: Child Welfare Alarmism Paints Unfair Picture of Families

David Kelly of the U.S. Children’s Bureau argues that the fixation of some in media and child welfare on declining hotline calls is unfair to poor families

State Lawmakers Race the Clock to Prevent Hundreds of Foster Youth from Aging Out Alone

New York and California legislators introduced bills to preserve benefits for foster youth who turn 21 during the pandemic – but they may come too late.

OPINION: Three Needed Steps In Child Welfare’s Battle Against Coronavirus

David Green, a union leader in Los Angeles’ child welfare system, lays out the steps needed to keep foster care safe during coronavirus

L.A. County Leaders Want To Keep Juvenile Incarceration Numbers Low After Pandemic

L.A. County leaders are looking for ways to ensure that the number of youth incarcerated at juvenile halls and camps does not rise to pre-pandemic levels.

For Foster Youth, Coronavirus Piles Grief Upon Grief

Children have been forced to reckon with sudden loss in a scary world lately. Processing grief can be even more complex for young people in foster care.

Advocates, Officials Gather to Remember Dosha DJay Joi, the Foster Care Reformer Taken By Coronavirus

Top advocates and officials gathered virtually to remember Dosha DJay Joi, the Wisconsin foster care reformer taken by Coronavirus last month.

‘Once You Sign the Paper, It’s Over:’ Older Foster Youth Plead for Help from New York Governor

Current and former foster youth in New York used a virtual press conference to renew their pleas for the governor to prevent aging out during the pandemic

While Child Abuse Call Centers Grew Quiet, Helpline Requests Surged

With children out of school and many families ordered indoors amid coronavirus, reports of maltreatment plummeted while calls for help increased

No Schools, No Pools: Foster Families Wrestle With Summer Pandemic Void

Foster families areound New York City are preparing for a “summer of nothing” for kids, with camps and summer jobs canceled.

As Pandemic Batters Economy, Foster Youth Bear the Brunt

Recent surveys reveal massive unemployment and food security issues for older foster youth. 

Washington Foster Children Quarantined in Government Office Building; Advocates Alarmed

Washington’s child welfare agency has resorted to housing some COVID-19 positive foster youth in an office building.

In Upstate New York, Child Welfare Agencies Chart a Cautious Course Toward In-Person Services

After nearly two months of shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, New York state child welfare agencies slowly re-open to new normal.

D.C. Lawmakers Push Reform to Honor Relentless Advocate for Wisconsin Foster Youth, Taken by Coronavirus

Reps. Karen Bass and Gwen Moore announced legislation to honor advocate Dosha DJay Joi, to ensure former foster youth are eligible for Medicaid until 26

Bill to Prevent California Foster Youth From Aging Out During Pandemic Moves Forward

SB 912 would have permanently extended foster care through age 25 but has now been cut down to a short-term support plan triggered by a state of emergency.

Illinois Judge Backs Ban on In-Person Foster Care Visits During Coronavirus Pandemic

A legal challenge to the blanket ban of supervised family visits was dismissed in Illinois yesterday, in part due to the state’s attorney for foster youth

In New York, No Help Coming From State for Aging-Out Foster Youth

New York State made clear that it will be up to individual counties to decide how to support foster youth aging out of care during the pandemic

OPINION: Reimagining Courts As Dispensers of Justice After Coronavirus

Instead of a post-coronavirus court defined by dystopian isolation, Sankaran writes, we could start to reframe the courts as an ally of families

Letters Keep Incarcerated Youth Connected in Terrifying Times

David Domenici of Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings describes the impact of letters from the outside have had on youth behind bars

Stuck on a Screen, Therapists Rush to Respond to Mental Health Crises Among Foster Youth

In a shutdown, therapists are relying on phones, laptops and video platforms that many have never used to treat young people. The results are surprising.

OPINION: Underprepared Staff Are Doing the Most Difficult Work in Child Welfare

Kevin King, training director at Seneca Family of Agencies, argues that the coronavirus has shone a light on the need for better work force training

Bills Would Add $520 Million to Support Older Foster Youth, Help Prevent Aging Out

Legislation introduced today would help states prevent foster youth from aging out during the pandemic and add $520 million for college and housing

Judge Shoots Down Bid to Free Youth from Juvenile Detention During Pandemic

An Los Angeles County judge on Tuesday denied a bid to release scores of incarcerated youth in the midst of the deadly pandemic. 

Feds Ease Restrictions on Funds for Extended Care and Foster Homes

The federal government is making it easier for states to tap into funding for extended foster care and use foster homes that have not been fully licensed

Foster Care Workers Face Coronavirus Risk With Uncertain Hazard Pay, Testing Access

Foster care workers have been deemed essential during the coronavirus pandemic. But that hasn’t come with gauranteed pay boosts in 24-hour group homes.

OPINION: After Pandemic, We Must Prevent the Net from Widening on Black Families

The economic impact of coronavirus will hit black families hardest, and that could exacerbate existing disparity in child welfare, Jessica Pryce argues.

Public Defender Fights Blanket Ban on Supervised Family Visits

Chicago’s public defender has sought an injunction to bar the blanket suspension of supervised family visits by the state child welfare agency

Two L.A. Youth Test Positive for the Coronavirus in Juvenile Halls

Two Los Angeles County youth tested positive for coronavirus at two juvenile halls on Thursday, raising fears of infection in the facilities.

OPINION: Questioning the Inevitability of a Child Welfare Surge

Paul DiLorenzo wonders whether a post-coronavirus surge in child welfare use is as inevitable as many child welfare observers think

Survey Underway on Foster Youth Experience During Coronavirus

A survey by University of San Francisco is in progress to identify the needs and wants of current and former foster youths amid coronavirus

For Foster Youth, Stability Is Even Harder to Find During the Pandemic

Three sisters fled the city they know as home to avoid bouncing around foster care during coronavirus

Grocery Money Zips Straight to California’s Needy Students Amid School Closures

Nearly two-thirds of school-aged kids in California will be eligbile to receive up to $365 in emergency funds to help them buy food.

New York Governor Implored to Extend Foster Care Past Age 21 During Pandemic

Advocates for youth in New York foster care care imploring Governor Cuomo to extend foster care and prevent anyone from aging out amidst coronavirus

OPINION: In the Midst of COVID-19 Crisis, Alameda County Must Rethink Its Youth Justice System

Alameda County leaders should consider releasing incarcerated youth as part of their response to the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

For Youth and Family Service Providers, Stimulus Loan Experience Has Been Hit or Miss

A federal stimulus loan program meant to help small businesses keep people on the payroll has helped many nonprofits and frustrated others

OPINION: The Pandemic You Know, and The One You Don’t

Jevon Wilkes of the California Coalition for Youth describes how the coronavirus pandemic has had an outsized effect on the youth his organization serves

OPINION: In Child Welfare Cases, Just Any Old Lawyer Won’t Do

Vivek Sankaran writes that the coronavirus has exposed the fact that a simple assurance of a lawyer is not enough to support child welfare-involved families

Amid Pandemic, A Pharma-Backed Effort to Ease Oversight on Psych Meds

As the California legisature readies for an emergency review session, the pharmaceutical industry is seeking eased oversight of mental health drugs

OPINION: Virtual Visits Are An Abandonment of Foster Children

Marcia Robinson Lowry argues that child welfare’s reliance on remote visits to kids in foster care, endorsed by the federal government, is too great a risk

Judge Tells Agencies to Speed Up Release of Young Immigrants

A district court judge in California ruled on Friday that the U.S. government should “make every effort to promptly and safely release” immigrant minors. 

Coronavirus Cases Grow at Los Angeles Youth Psychiatric Center 

The L.A. County Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that three more youth had been infected with coronavirus at the Star View Health Center.

Ohio Will Cover Cost to Keep Youth from Aging Out of Foster Care Amid Pandemic

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced today on Twitter that the state will prevent youth from aging out of foster care during the coronavirus emergency

Juvenile Detention Population Plummeted as the Pandemic Spread, Survey Suggests

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the county, juveniles in pretrial detention fell by nearly a quarter, according to a survey of government agencies.

Too Many L.A. County Low-Level Youth Offenders Still in Custody Amid Pandemic, Advocates Say

Hundreds of youth charged with “non-serious or minor offenses” remain detained in L.A. County, according to recently filed court documents

Despite City’s Urging, Virtual Visits the New Norm for Many New York City Parents with Kids in Foster Care

The mother watched her toddler waddle away, but couldn’t follow her. Her daughter was in foster care, and now coronavirus meant they could only FaceTime.

OPINION: Barriers to Child Protection During COVID-19: Considering the Impact on Child Maltreatment

Professors from Rutgers and New York University share their thoughts on the unique barriers to preventing maltreatment posed by coronavirus

California Rolls Out Plan to Prevent Youth from Aging Out of Foster Care During Pandemic

California youth will continue to receive extended foster care benefits through June 30 preventing them from aging out during a pandemic

OPINION: To Ensure the Safety of Colorado’s Children, We Must Protect Those Caring for Them

Colorado ombudsman: to ensure the safety of children, we must take steps to protect the child protective workers working to keep them safe

Coronavirus Strikes Two Foster Youth at Locked Psychiatric Facility in Los Angeles County

A coronavirus outbreak has infected two foster youth and 13 staff at Star View Adolescent Center, a residential psychiatric and behavioral health facility.

Families in Limbo: Coronavirus Hobbles Reunifications from Foster Care

Around the country, reduced court dockets and suspended family visits have upheaved the path to reunifications for child welfare-involved families

OPINION: Protecting Children Must Be Part of The Next Stimulus Package

Adam Pertman explains why he believes that systems protecting children must get relief as part of whatever comes next in coronavirus legislation

Pandemic Court Closures Limit Protections For Domestic Violence Victims

Attorneys for domestic violence victims say their clients cannot get child support, can’t get divorced, and are struggling to get a hearing

Homeless in New York: Coronavirus Tells Teen, ‘Let Me Give You a Taste’

When Orlando landed in New York in January, he had no idea that he would soon be living in a shelter for homeless youth and fall victim to coronavirus.

California Department of Justice Weighs in on Freeing Youth in Lockups

Today California’s top prosecutor reminded local officials they can act more swiftly to release prisoners in perilous conditions.

Advocates Ask California Supreme Court to Release L.A. Youth

Advocates appealed to the California Supreme Court to release many of the youth currently incarcerated in Los Angeles juvenile facilities

Child Welfare Advocates Around Country Ask for More than $3 Billion in Next Stimulus

A quick rundown of the $3 billion request made to leadership by hundreds of child welfare and family organizations as Congress ponders another stimulus bill

California Governor Newsom Pledges $42 Million for Children and Families

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a $42 million investment Monday aimed at relief for some children and families during the ongoing pandemic. 

California Foster Youth Prepares to Welcome First Baby Amid Pandemic

With the COVID-19 crisis dominating her last months of pregnancy, Nikki Almendarez is torn between excitement for her first baby and anxiety

Counselor Who Treated Kids with Laughter and Love Falls to Coronavirus

A heartbreaking remembrance of New York youth counselor, Eric Joseph, known by the kids he served as “Mr. E.,” who died of coronavirus last week at the age of 68

 

Stop a Coronavirus Disaster: Release Kids from Juvenile Facilities

Two leaders in California philanthropy appeal to Los Angeles to release as many youth as possible from juvenile incarceration settings during the pandemic.

After Court Action, Unaccompanied Minors Starting to Leave Risky Group Settings in New York City

A battle in court continues over what to do with unaccompanied minors in group settings, New York providers are already starting to move them out.

"Car March" Pushes Los Angeles to Free Incarcerated Youth During Pandemic

Chanting “detention is deadly!” a parade of more than 100 vehicles circled downtown L.A. to draw attention to the perilous conditions of incarcerated youth

California Courts Must Hold Some Child Welfare Hearings, Try to Continue In-Person Family Visits

The California Judicial Council approved coronavirus-related rules requiring courts to hold certain child welfare hearings, strive for in-person family visits, and review decisions to detain youth pretrial.

OPINION: Family Is A Compelling Reason

Top federal child welfare officials fear that in too many child welfare systems, a family separated by foster care could see coronavirus count against them.

Advocates Hope ‘Car March’ Drives Los Angeles to Release Youth from Detention

Los Angeles activists, desperate to avoid coronavirus catastrophe in the jails and juvenile halls, are using a car march to protest in downtown L.A.

Former Foster Youth Laid off From Advocacy Group Amid COVID-19 Crisis Are Re-Hired

Following two weeks of chaotic upheaval, the eight employees let go in a “mass” layoff at California Youth Connection have been rehired.

 

Anonymous Million-Dollar Donation Helps Feed New York’s Most Vulnerable

An anonymous donor has given $1.2 million to help some of New York’s poorest families buy food and necessities during the coronavirus shutdown — a windfall that staff at the New York Council of Nonprofits say comes without precedent.

A Mother Terrified for Her Son in a Los Angeles Juvenile Jail During the Pandemic

Following a suspension of visitations, the mother of an 18-year-old in an L.A. County juvenile hall is terrified that he is at risk during the pandemic.

Lack of Shelter Beds in New York Leaves LGBTQ Youth At Risk During Pandemic

With shelter doors closing and beds full, LGBTQ youth and providers in New York City are left to face coronavirus on their own.

Calls to Release Youth from Lockups Due to Virus Threat Grow Nationwide

As the pandemic worsened, and calls to release youth in lockup grew louder, Pennsylvania juvenile justice advocates went to court to try and force the issue. “We are in dire circumstances,” said Marsha Levick, deputy director and chief counsel for the Juvenile Law Center.

What's in The Stimulus Package for Youth and Family Services?

Last week, President Trump signed a $2 trillion bill aimed at shoring up businesses and workers as America weathers a pandemic that could be followed by a long recession. The Imprint breaks down what the plan includes that will directly affect child welfare and family service providers around the country.

Layoffs During Pandemic Retraumatize Former Foster Youth Let Go from Major California Advocacy Organization

Current and former foster youths working for California Youth Connection were gearing up to help others through a tough time during the coronavirus shutdown. Then the layoffs came.

Days After Initiating Layoffs and Restructure, California Youth Connection Executive Director Resigns

Last week, The Imprint reported that Haydée Cuza had laid-off much of the staff at the well-known advocacy group California Youth Connection, just as unemployment claims hit record highs in the state. Just days after an emergency board meeting was held to discuss her actions, Cuza resigned.

Feds Lay Out Minimum Expectations for Child Welfare Courts During Coronavirus

U.S. Children’s Bureau leader Jerry Milner reminded state child welfare courts that remote or otherwise, certain hearings had to be held to keep federal dollars flowing during coronavirus.

OPINION: The Need for Extraordinary Efforts: Time of Crisis Reveal a System’s Values

In a month or two, Vivek Sankaran writes, parents who have been separated from the children will reenter juvenile and family courts for the first time since the traumatic pandemic. How courts react will reveal a system’s true colors.

OPINION: Looking Ahead: The Nation’s Child Welfare Systems after Coronavirus

Fred Wulczyn of Chapin Hall’s Center for State Child Welfare Data on the likelihood that child welfare systems will experience a soaring demand curve in the aftermath of coronavirus.

New York Foster Youth Ousted from Dorms Face the Weekend in Pandemic Limbo

New York City’s Dorm Project students, all current and former foster youths were assured they were going to be able to stay. An abrupt about-face left them scrambling for options over the weekend to the ire of city council’s child welfare leadership.

California Considers Extending Foster Care Supports for Youth Following Advocates' Appeal for COVID-19 Relief

California’s Department of Social Services appears to be considering some measures proposed by child welfare advocates, including extension of foster care past 21 for those who age out during the pandemic lockdown.

Juvenile Justice Systems Wrestle with How to Shrink the Number of Youth in Lock-Up

Incarcerated youth are at high risk of coronavirus infection, and some systems are now taking calls to release low-risk kids seriously

California Youth Connection Abruptly Lays Off Most Staff to ‘Restructure’ Amid Pandemic

In a move that shocked its partners in the child welfare world, California Youth Connection laid off most of its staff and announced it would use the slowdown created by the coronavirus pandemic to restructure.

Shut in At Home, Foster and Adoptive Parents Look Online for Support

Martha Hornthal and her wife Kathleen are among the many foster and adoptive parents who rely on outside services to help with high-needs youth. Permanency services providers are trying to figure out the best way to continue those in trying times.

A Heartfelt Appeal on Behalf of Incarcerated Youth During Pandemic

A letter from David Domenici, founder of the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings, about how youth are feeling inside the walls of juvenile justice facilities these days.

Panic, Frantic Calls as New York Foster Youth Ousted from Dorms

After regular reassurances that their living situation was stable, more than 100 current and former foster youths were given two days to vacate college dorms in New York City.

“The fact that it’s an emergency about saving lives that’s fine,” one said. “But there are students who have nowhere to go. Maybe 10 I know of.”

Coronavirus Claims Beloved New York Juvenile Justice Mentor

“Magnificent Miller,” “Miller Maine,” and “Uncle Mill.” These are just some of the nicknames lovingly used to describe Jermaine Miller, a renowned youth worker with the nonprofit Sheltering Arms whose life was claimed by the coronavirus this month.

California Walls Off Juvenile Justice Facilities to New Entries

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced that during the coronavirus lockdown of the state, its juvenile justice facilities will not accept new entries.

Coronavirus Hits a New York Group Home – How One Nonprofit Responded

In a scenario that is likely to play out at residential programs around the country, one New York City-area nonprofit jumped into containment mode when a staffer tested positive for coronavirus.

Scared but Stable, a Former Foster Youth Fights for Survival During Pandemic

April Barcus is a 24-year-old former foster youth in the Los Angeles area. She talks to reporter Sara Tiano about trying to survive the pandemic with health complications, unemployment and mounting bills.

Even with More Protective Supplies on the Way, Coronavirus Confusion for Los Angeles Social Workers

As Los Angeles County awaits more protective gear, a state directive has created tension about protecting employees from coronavirus on the job.

Homeless Youth Found Infected in New York as Providers Clamor for Help

A young person at a youth homeless shelter tested positive for coronavirus on the same day providers implored the mayor to address “significant concerns” with operation plans during the pandemic.

New York City Scrambles for Staffing, Beds for Foster Youth Amid Pandemic

New York City and its network of foster care providers face a duel challenge: isolating symptomatic kids, and removing them from foster parents who fall too ill.

New York, Los Angeles Take Different Paths on Family Visits

Two of the largest child welfare systems in the country took decidedly different positions on family visits during the coronavirus outbreak.

L.A. Child Welfare Social Workers Conducting Home Visits without Protection Against Coronavirus

As first responders face a growing shortage of protective gear, social workers across sprawling Los Angeles County have continued to make visits to the homes of children and families in the child welfare system — at times without masks or gloves, according to social workers with the county’s Department of Children and Family Services.

Human Services Sector Calls for $60 Billion from Congress, “Essential” Status Locally

A group of nonprofit leaders in youth and family services are calling for a $60 billion influx from Congress and “essential services” status from local government to keep a precarious but critical part of the economy.

Legislators Ask Leadership for Increases, Flexibility on Federal Funds for Child Welfare

A group of leaders on child welfare policy in Congress – Reps. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) – sent a letter to House leadership asking for augmentation of certain child welfare programs to help during the coronavirus outbreak.

Opinion: Family Visits ARE An Essential Service

With many systems shutting down in-person aspects of child welfare, two leaders on family visitation outline how it should be continued and supported during this crisis.

Kinship Support Groups Mobilize To Help A Vulnerable Population

Most youth removed from their homes are cared for by relatives, many of whom are older and single or widowed. In Nevada, Ali Caliendo’s organization is working to keep them safe in a dangerous time.

Los Angeles Probation Shuts Down Office Visits, Mulls New Rules on Incarceration

One of the largest local probation systems in the country has shut down its offices, walled off facilities from family visits, and is mulling changes to which youths need to be locked up during the pandemic.

Opinion: Coronavirus Reveals The Need to Modernize Child Welfare and Juvenile Courts

Around the country, many courts are shutting down and delaying important hearings for families and children, Vivek Sankaran writes. It wouldn’t be necessary if we had invested in modern technology to improve the court process.

In Los Angeles, Food Access Has Parents Fearful

Shields for Families is one of the city’s largest family preservation and substance abuse programs. While clients worry about access to food, its longtime leader thinks about keeping the doors open in crisis.

Washington State Child Welfare Leader to Field: “Tsunami” is Coming Your Way

Dave Newell of Children’s Home Society of Washington reflects on a week that forced his leadership team to think about how to keep a lifeline to clients while worrying about the future health of the staff.

Justice Experts Appeal for Smaller Probation Footprint During Pandemic

A group of current and former probation leaders are asking for systems to dramatically reducing the footprint of community supervision during the crisis.

Child Welfare, Adoption Conference Schedule Impacted by Coronavirus Closures

The coronavirus pandemic has predictably blown up the traditional child welfare conference schedule, which typically runs from March to May.

Nonprofits Are Simultaneously Contemplating Strategy on Two Fronts

A look at how one nonprofit thought through changes to its funding, staffing and partnerships in a whirlwind week.

New York City Court’s Coronavirus Plan Might Mean Longer Stays in Foster Care or Youth Detention

Multiple individuals who worked in the city’s family courts have tested positive for coronavirus in the past week, according to the Office of Court Administration.

Minnesota Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice Courts Will Stay Open

The Minnesota courts have committed to staying open for child welfare and juvenile justice proceedings during the crisis.

New York City Foster Care Rushes to Prepare for Coronavirus

If schools close, how to provide enough child care to foster parents? How to ensure college-age foster youth have stable housing as schools close their dorms?

As Coronavirus Shutdowns Grow, Resource Families Left with Little Guidance

As the effects of the coronavirus spread took hold, foster and kinship caregivers scrambled to make plans with little guidance from above.

California Braces for Impact

A look at how America’s most populous state prepared for how the coronavirus will impact dozens of county-led child welfare and juvenile justice agencies.

Nonprofit Raising Money to Help Foster Youth Facing College Closures

A national nonprofit is raising funds to help assist current and former foster youths who are impacted by campus and dorm closures in the wake of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Comes to New York City Family Court

Lawyers and other workers were frustrated by the delays in notification after an intern at the Manhattan family court tested positive for COVID-19.

Coronavirus: What Child Welfare Agencies Need to Think About

Our coverage of the coronavirus pandemic began with a forward-looking, crowd-sourced view of what child welfare and juvenile justice agencies should be thinking about.