Enhancing Student Safety During a Pandemic

"Safe at Home" unfortunately does not describe the circumstances for all children and youth.  As we work to navigate this new world of Covid-19 we find that our children may be at heightened risk not of illness but of abuse, neglect or exploitation.  Physical isolation puts limits on who our children and youth are connecting to in-person while opening up connections to the world on-line.  This training will cover the risks to children and adolescents who may be confined at home with someone who abuses them.  We will cover strategies to connect with youth as well as providing preventative measures for adults who may be feeling extreme stress and frustration.  This training will also cover on-line safety for youth and caregivers of youth.  Recognizing signs of abuse or attempts at disclosure are imperative as we may connect with youth and families for a very short duration.

Objectives:

• Identify the circumstances that "Safe/Stay at Home" may place on children and youth at risk for abuse

• Recognize signs of abuse or disclosure from youth as well as signals of stress and frustration from caregivers

• Learn ways to share on-line safety tips with youth and their caregivers

• Provide strategies for increased connection for youth and families during physical isolation