In an effort to keep the transmission rate of COVID-19 as low as possible, last week the Child Abuse Network made the decision to implement protocols designed to protect children and families, our staff and the community partners we interact with daily. Effective 3/16/2020, CAN has transitioned almost entirely to remote operations. Forensic interviews and medical exams are still being conducted as needed according to already established on-call procedures. In collaboration with our partners, we have taken great care to provide the infrastructure required to continue serving children, and their families, at the highest possible level. We will keep you informed of any substantial changes as they occur over the next several weeks.
This also means we are suspending the acceptance of donations at this time. We greatly appreciate everyone who has sent blankets through Amazon, held comfort item drives at their place of business, and made trips to the Children’s Advocacy Center to drop off donated items. For the time being, and in the interest of keeping us all safe and healthy, please hold on to any donations until its advisable for us to return to normal working conditions and hours.
In accordance with the CDC’s recommendations and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to postpone CAN’s Superhero Challenge scheduled for April 26th at POSTOAK Lodge. We are so grateful for our donors, sponsors and ticket holders who have already pledged their support. We appreciate your patience as we work with vendors and community health officials to reschedule the event for a later date, and will update you as soon as we have more information. This kryptonite won’t stop our superheroes – we are looking forward to celebrating with you soon!
One final note; in accordance with Oklahoma law, we are all mandated reporters of abuse and neglect. Sadly, a period of home isolation for some children can be a terrifying situation. If you suspect or have knowledge of child abuse or neglect you are required to report it – Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-522-3511.
Together We CAN (with about six feet between us),
Maura Guten
President and CEO
Helpful Information
211 Helpline, 918-836-4357: 24/7 referral line providing resource info for Tulsa area. For resources in other regions, or for online resources, visit https://csctulsa.org/211eok-covid19/
Updates from Oklahoma State Department of Health:
Coronavirus: What you should know
Coronavirus: Fact or Fiction
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Online Recovery Support Services
COVID-19 FAQs for Treatment Providers
Resources for Parents/Caregivers of Children & Youth
Resources for Child Care Providers, School and Higher Education Communities
Resources for Teens, Young Adults & Adults
Resources for Mental Health Providers, Practitioners and Community Partners
Information from TPS:
Coronavirus – Covid-19 – Support for Students, Families & Educators
Meal Distribution Bus Schedule
Meal Distribution Grab and Go Schedule
From Mental Health America
Community Resources for Kids
The Tulsa Library has TONS of audiobooks and podcasts available for adults and kids alike.
Shape Your Future has brain games for kids as well as workouts and recipes. For easy and quick family friendly recipes.
ahha Tulsa, a local art studio, has videos of fun art projects you can do at home to keep kids engaged.
Discovery Lab Tulsa, a local children’s museum, has YouTube videos of their fun location so you can enjoy it remotely.
Mr. Benji, a local musician who regularly performs at Central Library, will be hosting live stream singalongs Mondays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. on his facebook page.
Tulsa Zoo is offering weekday Online Zoo School at 10 a.m. with fun activities and virtual tours of different zoo exhibits.
The Oklahoma Aquarium is sharing numerous activities on their facebook page.
There are multiple virtual field trips available at discoveryeducation.com
Parent/Family Tulsa Community Resources
Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Program (curbside meals): 918-949-4673, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., first and third Saturdays of each month 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Catholic Charities Pregnancy Clinic: operating as usual. Thursday: accepts walk-ins.
Emergency Infant Services: 918-582-2469, curbside service only, weekdays 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Stress/anxiety/emotional support during emergencies: The Disaster Distress Helpline call 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
COPES 918-744-4800 (Community Outreach, Psychiatric, and Emergency Services) – a 24/7 telephone and mobile crisis unit that provides emergency psychiatric stabilization services to Tulsa County children and adults regardless of insurance situation.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
Domestic Violence Intervention Services: 24 Hour Crisis Line: 918-7HELPME (918-743-5763)
Resources specifically for talking with kids/caring for kids emotional health:
Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
How to Talk to your Kids about Coronavirus
Tips for Families: Coronavirus
NEW BABY COPING
POSITIVE PARENTING
FOSTER/ADOPTIVE PARENTS
PARENTING RESOURCES
Tips from Dr. Christine Beeson, DO, First Year Fellow, Child Abuse Pediatrics
The community response to Coronavirus is necessary to help avoid transmission and illness; however, it may inadvertently be putting children at risk of abuse and/or neglect. With stressed parents working from home along with added financial strain coupled with school closures, it is a ‘powder keg’ for families to experience unprecedented amounts of stress. Our child abuse and neglect experts anticipate seeing an increased number of child abuse and neglect cases as social distancing continues. We hope that by increasing awareness, we can increase the strength of families in Tulsa and prevent abuse from happening in our community during this time.
Physical distancing with social engagement. We need socializationfor mental health. Go outside, video-chat and stay socially connected, via apps, FaceTime, or Google hangouts.
Have realistic expectations. Being realistic about what you can accomplish during this disruption to normal life will help ease stress and anxiety, and allow for future planning. Be flexible.
Encourage reading for you and your child.
Foster creativity. Connect with your child through various activities, like drawing, painting, playing board games, building a fort, or cooking together.
Exercise daily! There are kid-focused yoga videos on Youtube for free as well as “dance parties” you can easily find online. There are also many home workouts aimed for adults of every fitness level and for every age.
Utilize educational resources for screen time. There are numerous online resources available you can access at www.childabusenetwork.org.
Lean on your community resources. If you belong to a faith-based organization or social group, find what they offer online. Many organizations are currently offering online streaming services to continue connections.
Talk to your kids about the crisis. There are multiple resources online on how to discuss Coronavirus and stress with your kids. You can find links to them on CAN’s website at www.childabusenetwork.org.
Ask for help. If you feel your stress is getting the best of you, reach out to a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor (safely). Separate from your child and call for help.
Report suspected abuse/neglect. Every person in Oklahoma is required by law to promptly make a report if they have reason to believe that a child has been abused or neglected. The Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-522-3511.
Stay informed. Keep up to date on current information via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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