WILMINGTON – To begin Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Delaware Children’s Department, Prevent Child Abuse Delaware, and other stakeholders are raising awareness of how to nurture resilient families and prevent, recognize, and report child abuse and neglect. 

April is traditionally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year’s awareness campaign, “Growing a Better Tomorrow for All Children, Together,” brings together communities and resources to protect and support strong, safe, and resilient families. 

“Growing a better tomorrow for our children takes action, today. In order to prevent child abuse and neglect, we must recognize past trauma, support caregivers, and come together as a community to provide the resources necessary for families to thrive. Each one of us has the ability to change the future – one child at a time,” said Josette Manning, Secretary of the Delaware Children’s Department also known as the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.  

Families continue to face stressors brought on or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we know they will have to grapple with the collateral consequences of the coronavirus – loss of employment, housing, food security and so much more – as our state recovers. In these times of extreme stress and uncertainty, we cannot ignore the risk of children experiencing abuse and neglect. That’s why experts say it is important to foster support for families and encourage stress-reducing behaviors.  

“During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are reminded of how we all play a role in creating positive childhood experiences so children can thrive. Too often, our society thinks of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone,” said Karen DeRasmo, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Delaware. “In reality we all benefit when groups of people work together to collectively care for children, who grow up to become successful, contributing adults.” 

Prevention professionals are still working to understand the pandemic’s repercussions for incidents of child abuse and neglect, but we do know calls to the hotline are lower than normal. For example, in 2020 from the beginning of the school closures across Delaware until the end of the traditional school year in June, the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline experienced a 30 to 40% reduction in call volume. This awareness month acts as a call-to-action to help a family in need.   

Here is how to raise awareness and educate during Child Abuse Prevention Month: 

• Nurture protective factors for parents and caregivers. Research shows that protective factors support children and families having positive outcomes and a decreased risk for neglect and abuse. Protective factors include: 
  • Nurturing and attachment 
  • Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development 
  • Parental resilience 
  • Social connections 
  • Concrete supports for parents 
  • Social and emotional developmental well-being 

• Share resources that build resiliency. Connecting families to resources that meet their basic needs like employment, housing, and food, can help alleviate stressors.  
• Educate yourself on the signs of child abuse or neglect. In virtual settings especially, ask questions and notice a child’s surroundings.  
• Learn how to report alleged child abuse or neglect. Call 1-800-292-9582 to make a report of child abuse or neglect. Use the online portal iseethesigns.org to submit reports via any mobile device or desktop computer. These services are available 24/7, and reporters can choose to remain anonymous.  
• Wear blue on April 1! Wear Blue Day shows support for children and families. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2021 hashtag. 

Together, we can make a difference in the life of a child. 

Additional Resources for Families 

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting – call 1-800-292-9582 or go to iseethesigns.org 

Child Priority Response Hotline (mental health crisis help): 1-800-969-4357 

Crisis Text Line for Youth: Text DE to 741-741 

Prevent Child Abuse Delaware 

Beau Biden Foundation 

Nemours Kids Health 

Office of the Child Advocate 

Children and Families First 

WILMINGTON –The Delaware Children’s Department (DSCYF) is sharing mental health and resiliency resources to help families nurture hope during the holiday season and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our way of life in Delaware in so many ways, from causing financial strains to impacting our mental health. Even in times of great struggles, however, you can lead a hopeful, healthy life. Here are some tips from the Delaware Children’s Department to help you and your family live resilient during challenging times:

• When you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break. Go for a walk or try some slow, deep breathing exercises.
• Focus on your nutrition plan. The foods we put in our bellies give us fuel and energy for the day. A healthy diet of vegetables, lots of water and other healthy foods will set you on a good path.
• Recognize that the holidays will look and feel different, but you can still find moments of joy. Be creative with Zoom gatherings and start new traditions with your children.
• It’s never too late to learn new things. Fall in love with learning. Read a good book and expand your horizons.
• Stay connected. While it seems more challenging during this time, reach out to your friends and loved ones. Check in with a phone call or share a meal together virtually.
• Don’t be afraid to turn off the news and put aside the electronics, and surround yourself with activities you love. Be present, in the moment.
• You do not have to go through challenging times alone. Help is available. If a child is experiencing a mental health crisis, reach out to the Child Priority Response Line at 1-800-969-HELP. Youth can always text DE to 741-741 for support. For those 18 years or older, the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health Crisis Intervention Services – Mobile Crisis can be reached statewide at (800) 652-2929. The Delaware Hope Line is available at 1 (833) 9-HOPEDE or (833) 946-7333.
• Connect with mental health resources. It’s so important to practice self-care year-round, especially in times of high stress. Counseling and peer support can help build resilience, manage stress and promote good mental health. Research the professionals in your area. Do an Internet search of peer support or online support groups and check resources like NAMI Delaware, the Mental Health Association in Delaware or the Delaware Psychological Association.

Mental Health Supports 

• Delaware’s Child Priority Response Hotline (for youth in mental health crisis):
  1-800-969-HELP (4357)
• Crisis Text Line (for youth):
  Text DE to the number 741-741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
  (800) 273-TALK (8255)
• DSCYF Access Unit (for general mental health questions and to be connected to resources):
  Call 1-800-722-7710 or email DSCYF_Intake_General@delaware.gov
• Delaware Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health Crisis Intervention Services – Mobile Crisis (for those age 18 or older):

• • Statewide: (800) 652-2929
  • New Castle County: (302) 577-2484
  • Kent/Sussex County: (800) 345-6785

• Delaware Hope Line: 1 (833) 9-HOPEDE or (833) 946-7333
• Help Is Here DE (substance use and mental health information)
• Trauma-Informed Delaware (resources for trauma-informed care and practices)

 Media Contact: Jen Rini, jen.rini@delaware.gov

WILMINGTON – Delaware officials, families, friends and community partners joined together on National Adoption Day to recognize the resilience of families who have embarked on the journey of adoption in the past year.

Hosted by the Interagency Committee on Adoption, which is a coalition of adoption organizations and stakeholders from across the state, the annual National Adoption Day Celebration turned virtual this year. Saturday’s event still provided an opportunity to raise the profile of adoption in Delaware and celebrate families despite the challenges of COVID-19.

“National Adoption Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate adoption and bring awareness to adoption through foster care. Foster care and adoption are a long journey, and this year has been especially challenging,” said Moira Dillon, Delaware Division of Family Services Adoption Program Manager and co-chair of the Interagency Committee on Adoption. “Our children have already experienced so much loss in their young lives, but they are resilient. When a child has a family who unconditionally loves them and supports them, the healing begins. Every child deserves a family. Congratulations to all families who have adopted in this very challenging year!”

During the celebration, Delaware Family Court judges finalized adoptions for three families in front of loved ones, state officials, support networks and friends. Finalization ceremonies were performed by Judge Michael Arrington, Judge Peter B. Jones and Judge Kenneth M. Millman.

“Every child experiencing foster care has a different journey. Those journeys often include a lot of ups and downs. Therefore, we are grateful to have thoughtful, committed teams working with our kids. When a child cannot be reunified with their birth family, that work focuses on permanency,” said Meg Garey, Executive Director of A Better Chance for Our Children and co-chair of the Interagency Committee on Adoption. “As we see with our National Adoption Day finalizations, the dedication of our Family Court judges to help our children achieve permanency is invaluable. Having judges who are truly invested in a child’s safety, wellbeing, and future can make all the difference.”

The National Adoption Day event follows the announcement of Delaware’s participation in the ALL-IN Foster Adoption Challenge, raising awareness of permanency efforts for children and youth in foster care. In Delaware, approximately 499 children either live away from their home or are experiencing foster care and there are about 143 youth in care who have the goal of adoption.

“I think it is the definition of being on the right side of history to brighten the promise of a child’s future. Nowhere is that investment deeper or more meaningful than through adoption,” said Delaware First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney.

During National Adoption Month this November and beyond, we are looking to encourage Delawareans to make a difference whether by supporting a youth in foster care, becoming a foster parent or looking into adoption.

“There is nothing more important to me, as a mom and a nurse, than helping connect children and parents and creating families. I’m always thrilled to be part of National Adoption Day, and I look forward to this celebration each year. I congratulate our adoptive families and wish them all the best,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “Together, we can raise awareness of adoption and foster care services here in Delaware. This holiday season and beyond, let’s do our part to give back, learn and support our youth so they can thrive.”

To learn more about adoption in Delaware, please call 302-633-2658 or email adoption.dscyf@delaware.gov. You can go to this link on adoption to learn more. If you’d like to learn more about how to become a foster parent or how to give back to a foster child, please contact 302-633-2657 or email DSCYF_FosterCare@delaware.gov. To connect with private agencies on foster care, please go to this link for more information. For additional resources on how to help a child experiencing foster care, please go to this link.

Watch Delaware’s National Adoption Day Celebration here.

The Children’s Department provides services to children who have been abused, neglected, are dependent, have mental health or substance use problems, and/or have been adjudicated delinquent by the Courts, as well as prevention services targeted toward all youth. For more information, please visit www.kids.delaware.gov.

Media Contact: Jen Rini, jen.rini@delaware.gov

WILMINGTON – Two additional youth residing at Stevenson House Detention Center have tested positive for coronavirus, the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families announced Monday, bringing the total secure care youth cases to four.

The Department received the test results over the weekend and immediately initiated cleaning and notification protocol and coordinated the care for the youth in a specialized COVID-19 care unit, which is a separate unit with a dedicated nurse and dedicated staff as well. Youth are monitored for symptom progression on this unit. Additionally, the Department has purchased handheld games for youth to help them get through this challenging time.

Of the four youth who have tested positive, two youth are asymptomatic and two are experiencing mild symptoms. In order to protect personal health information, the Department cannot disclose additional information on the positive cases.

Stevenson House, a secure care Level V facility, has been cleaned with a disinfectant fogger and continues to be disinfected daily. As part of the facility’s monthly testing protocol, youth will be receiving COVID tests today and all youth are being monitored for symptoms. Additionally, all Stevenson House staff are wearing personal protective equipment as a precaution and we are attempting to limit youth interactions in large group settings to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Additionally, youth at all secure care facilities are required to wear face coverings at this time as a COVID precaution and rehabilitative services are being transitioned virtually.

“Throughout this pandemic, the safety and wellbeing of our staff and youth has remained our primary concern. We have implemented procedural changes to protect staff and youth and make our decisions by following the guidance of public health officials. We will continue those efforts to protect our staff and youth,” said Josette Manning, cabinet secretary of the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF), which oversees the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services. “We are in a time of overwhelming stress, and I want to express how grateful I am for our dedicated staff. They have reported to work under extremely trying times and continue to strive every day to help youth rehabilitate and move forward with their lives.”

The Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services’ response to coronavirus has been multi-pronged. The Division has implemented COVID-19 protocol in accordance to the Division of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. Measures include:

• Training on proper cleaning techniques and screening protocols
• Providing personal protective gear to facility and community-based staff
• Daily temperature checks for youth and staff
• Staff and youth must wear face coverings
• Youth are quarantined for 14 days upon entry to a secure care facility and monitored for symptoms
• Special COVID-19 care units have been established in order to care for positive youth
• COVID-19 testing is available to all youth monthly and all staff every two weeks
• YRS has also purchased two disinfectant foggers to rotate between facilities for cleaning

Please visit our website kids.delaware.gov for information and a chart of secure care facility COVID-19 youth and staff cases. You can find the direct link here. It will be updated if needed based on Monday’s testing.

 The Children’s Department provides services to children who have been abused, neglected, are dependent, have mental health or substance use problems, and/or have been adjudicated delinquent by the Courts, as well as prevention services targeted toward all youth. For more information, please visit www.kids.delaware.gov.

Media Contact: Jen Rini, jen.rini@delaware.gov

WILMINGTON – As public health officials report rising cases of coronavirus and Delaware grapples with increased community spread, the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families announced Friday it is taking immediate action to protect staff and youth in its secure care juvenile facilities.

Proactive screening and testing have identified that two youth residing at Stevenson House Detention Center have tested positive for coronavirus. The two positive youth cases are the first at secure care facilities since the COVID-19 pandemic started eight months ago.

“Since the pandemic began in March, the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services has prioritized the safety of our staff and youth by bolstering cleaning and screening protocol all the while continuing to provide needed services. We could not have done this without the dedication of our staff and the flexibility of our families during this time,” said Josette Manning, cabinet secretary of the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF), which oversees the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services. “The coronavirus pandemic has impacted Delaware families in so many ways, which is why we have taken immediate action to protect our youth and staff. It hasn’t been easy, but our staff, youth and families have risen to the challenges of COVID-19 and embodied the true meaning of resilience.”

Once the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services (YRS) received the positive youth test results on Friday, staff initiated cleaning and notification protocol and worked to stand up a specialized COVID-19 care unit to care for youth. Staff are also wearing personal protective equipment as a precaution. Families of youth at Stevenson House Detention Center have been notified and youth are being monitored for symptoms during this time. As part of the facility’s monthly testing protocol, youth will receive COVID tests on Monday.

In order to protect personal health information, the Department cannot disclose additional information on the positive cases.

Additionally, effective immediately, YRS is temporarily suspending visitation to all of its Level IV and V secure facilities. YRS secure facilities include the New Castle County Detention Center, Stevenson House Detention Center, Ferris School and the Residential Cottages. Between the secure facilities, the Division currently cares for less than 80 youth.

During this time, YRS will offer increased phone and video calls for our youth to ensure they remain in contact with their families. The Division will continue to serve youth and meet their rehabilitative needs with core programming, which includes education and counseling.

In the last eight months since the pandemic began, 28 total secure care staff members have tested positive for coronavirus. YRS’ response to coronavirus has been multi-pronged. The Division has implemented COVID-19 protocol in accordance to the Division of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. Measures include:

• Training on proper cleaning techniques and screening protocols
• Providing personal protective gear to facility and community-based staff
• Daily temperature checks for youth and staff
• Staff must wear face coverings and all youth have been provided face coverings at no cost
• Youth are quarantined for 14 days upon entry to a secure care facility and monitored for symptoms
• Special COVID-19 care units have been established in order to care for positive youth
• COVID-19 testing is available to all youth monthly and all staff every two weeks
• YRS has also purchased two disinfectant foggers to rotate between facilities for cleaning

Additionally, given the increase in COVID positive cases statewide, DSCYF will be working to post regular COVID secure care updates online at kids.delaware.gov.

The Children’s Department provides services to children who have been abused, neglected, are dependent, have mental health or substance use problems, and/or have been adjudicated delinquent by the Courts, as well as prevention services targeted toward all youth. For more information, please visit www.kids.delaware.gov.

Media Contact: Jen Rini, jen.rini@delaware.gov