Why this topic matters to us
As COVID-19 continues to impact the lives and wellbeing of families across the world, it’s critical for leaders to understand the warning signs of families that may be experiencing a crisis. This helps to inform what services can be provided to current and former foster youth, parents and/or relative caregivers of children at imminent risk to address, prevent and support them during and approaching a crisis.
We asked: "What are the EARLY warning signs that a family might beapproaching a crisis? To whom or where are you most likely to turn for support?"
“I have developed many relationships with mentors and case managers, that at any point I have a questions about life, or need help, I have somewhere to turn.”
- Juliana Ortega, Foster Youth
"A warning sign was that my children began to miss school and did not participate in extracurricular activities or family functons. I did not feel safe turning to anyone."
- Leanne Walsh, Birth Parent
"Early warning signs that a family could be approaching a crisis is a sign of drugs or substance abuse. Another sign might be the onset of chronic illness of one or more parents or a child in the family. Stress brought on by employment, finances, illness or death may bring on a crisis.
The first place most people, if they can turn to, is family.
- Dr. Nina Fields-Pourvaranttee, Community Partner from Virginia
"We did seek out help with the mental health system with no support.
Even her doctor was not a help, because they didn't understand the mental health and trauma
that she had been through."
- Gail Engel, Kinship Caregiver from Colorado
