Human Trafficking Search conducted research on the intersection of foster care and human trafficking.  There are many reasons a child ends up in foster care, the most common according to our research are parental substance abuse, alcohol abuse, domestic violence or neglect.  Experts are warning that we are likely to see an increase in domestic violence and child abuse since people are being asked to stay at home as much as possible and many people are coming under economic hardship.  The FBI reports that “60% of child sex trafficking victims recovered through FBI raids across the U.S. in 2013 were from foster care or group homes.”   Rochelle Keyhan, who formerly prosecuted sex trafficking cases warns that sex trafficking victims are not being protected from coronavirus.   She provides a number of recommendations, including encouraging far better oversight of foster homes.  However, social distancing required to keep the coronavirus at bay has required states to alert their regular procedures with respect to child welfare.  This page provides information on actions states are taking.  We will continue to update this page, adding information on all states.  If you are aware of state level action that is not listed here, please email us (info[@]humantraffickingsearch.net) and we will add it to this page.

New York:

• The New York state government create a page to consolidate information on COVID-19. On March 20, guidance for foster care and preventive staff was issued.

New Jersey:

• No information

California:

• The County Welfare Directors Association of California is compiling COVID-19 guidance, including child welfare and foster care materials.
• Los Angeles County’s Department of Children and Family Services issued guidance on March 19.

Washington:

• Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families create a COVID-19 page. Information on foster care emergency license waivers can be found here.  The state also has guidance for foster care group home facilities.

Michigan:

• No information

Illinois:

• Illinois Department of Children & Family Services issued a letter to foster care parents

Florida:

• Florida has currently not provided guidance on child welfare and COVID-19. Please check here for updates.

Louisiana:

• Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services created a page providing COVID-19 guidance for foster parents.

Georgia:

• No information

Massachusetts:

• Massachusetts provided Agency In-Home Care COVID-19 Guidance

Texas:

• No information

Colorado:

• The Office of the Child’s Representative has a page providing guidance on COVID-19, including guidance for those who are aging out of foster care.

Pennsylvania:

• No information

Connecticut:

• https://ctmirror.org/2020/03/23/connecticuts-most-vulnerable-children-even-more-at-risk-during-coronavirus-crisis/

Ohio:

• Ohio’s Department of Jobs and Family Services developed a Frequently Asked Questions document that includes questions about foster care.

Indiana:

• The Indiana government’s website directs those interested in updates relating to COVID-19 and foster care to visit Indian Foster Care’s COVID page.

Tennessee:

• The Department of Children’s Service has developed a page to provide COVID-19 related information, including a section for foster parents.

Maryland:

• No information

North Carolina:

• No information

Wisconsin:

• The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has issued guidance for foster care parents and child welfare workers. This page is being updated as new guidance is developed.

Arizona:

• Arizona’s Department of Child Safety has provided information on a range of issues relating to foster care, which can be found here.

Nevada:

• No information

Missouri:

• Missouri’s Department of Social Services has a COVID-19 providing updated information, including guidance on parent, child visitation for children in foster care.

Virginia:

• Voices for Virginia’s Children issued Virginia foster care policy recommendations

Alabama:

• Jefferson County issued a standing order regarding visitation for children in foster care.

South Carolina:

• No information

Mississippi:

• Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services issued guidance here.

Utah:

• Utah’s Department of Human Services developed a Frequently Asked Questions document, including on foster care.

Oregon:

• Oregon’s Department of Human Services provided information on their operating status during the coronavirus pandemic.

Minnesota:

• Minnesota’s Department of Human Services provided information on changes to licensing of foster care providers as a result of COVID-19, and will provide further updates on this page.

Arkansas:

• Governor Hutchinson developed a proposal which included increased support for foster families.

Kentucky:

• The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services issued guidance, including for social workers on home visits.

Oklahoma:

• No information

District of Columbia:

• Child and Family Services Agency provided guidance for foster parents.

Iowa:

• The Iowa Department of Human Services has guidance for home visits, foster parent licensing, and under the DHS Social Workers and Contractors section of this page