ABSTRACT

Through qualitative feedback from professionals in healthcare, mental health, and child welfare, this study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of children in the child welfare system. Positive outcomes and challenges related to the care of children in foster or kinship care in Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic are described. Themes identified included disparities in the child welfare system; utilization of telehealth; cross-sector communication and collaboration; safety considerations; and placement stability and support. The article concludes with recommendations in each of these areas for ensuring the health and well-being of children in foster and kinship care during a pandemic.

摘要

通过医疗保健、心理健康和儿童福利专业人士的定性反馈，本研究探讨了 COVID-19 大流行对儿童福利系统中儿童健康和福祉的影响。描述了在 COVID-19 大流行期间德克萨斯州寄养或亲属照料儿童的积极成果和挑战。确定的主题包括儿童福利制度中的差异；远程医疗的利用；跨部门沟通与协作；安全考虑；和安置稳定性和支持。文章最后在每个领域都提出了建议，以确保大流行期间寄养和亲属照料中儿童的健康和福祉。