Our primary concern is always for the well-being of all of our children and families, and that includes our family of volunteers.
How is COVID -19 impacting our roles as advocates and volunteers? How do we best balance the important role of volunteers in ensuring child safety and with the critically important role of limiting risk of sharing the virus? This is uncharted territory.
Of course, the kids need us as much as ever. At the same time, none of us can be helpful if we are not healthy. Kids and families can be worried about community interactions. There are a lot of questions. What happens if the courts or schools close? What happens to kids who rely on free school lunches? How do I answer questions about coronavirus if kids ask?
We will do our best to communicate in this rapidly changing environment.
The best strategy is to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
If you feel ill, or think you may be ill, please stay home and take care of yourself. While everyone connected to CASA has a truly inspiring work ethic, it is not worth risking your health or the health of others. Please do not hesitate to cancel your attendance at an event and cancel or re-schedule meetings with CASA staff or others.
If there is a meeting you cannot attend, communicate with your CASA Supervisor to find the best solution.
Below are best practices for health and safety to prevent the spread of this illness or other illnesses based on recommendations from the CDC that we urge everyone to follow:
- Wash hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water (click here for more details on effective handwashing: Handwashing Best Practices)
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Disinfect surfaces regularly
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then dispose of the tissue and wash your hands immediately. If you do not have a tissue to hand, cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands.
- Stay home when you're sick and call your doctor’s office for guidance
- Stay away from gatherings with large crowds
- Keep your “social distance.” Wave hello rather than shaking hands!
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website for the most current information on COVID-19
- Oh yes -- try not to touch your face (this is harder than it looks!)
If you have traveled abroad in the last month, talk with your CASA supervisor.
If you are an older adult or a person with severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes, please talk with your supervisor. If you are at higher risk, we want to make sure you have greater protections!
Health and safety are of the utmost importance. If you have any questions please reach out to the team to create a protective strategy that works for you and the kids you advocate for. If a child or family you are working with have questions, we have resources to share that are helpful in explaining COVID-19 to children.
If you are wondering, Kids Matter is already set up so that most staff can work remotely! If that becomes necessary, we will let you know. Volunteer support will continue to be available.
You play a vital role in our community. Thank you!
The entire Kids Matter CASA team
