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Children In Foster Care Are Still Experiencing Normalcy During COVID-19

https://www.childrenshomeandaid.org/locations/

Most children are safe at home with their families during the COVID-19 crisis. But some children may not have this luxury. One family service agency is ensuring normalcy for the children who are in foster care.

Noelle Schamberger is the foster care program manager at Children’s Home & Aid. She said staff are doing home visits but they are limited.

“We’re doing those through porch visits. Making sure that you know we're far enough away that if anyone were to be sick, and we didn’t know that they are sick that we’re doing the appropriate social distancing.”

She said sometimes they do have to go inside the home. Workers wear PPE in both cases.

Stephanie Caltagerone is a family support services program supervisor with the organization. She said she’s thankful for the people who, even now, make it possible for the agency to carry out its mission.

“I’m super proud of my staff who have stayed connected with families and recognized that our work looks a little differently right now."  

She said they will continue to stay safe while still being there for families.

Caltagerone also said people are donating supplies and the United Way has supported by giving the organization a $6,000 grant.

Schamberger said children in foster care are still being placed and adoption procedures have not stopped.

Children’s Home & Aid has offices across Illinois, including DeKalb and Rockford.