Covid-19 Resources

Awareness of Child Abuse during a Global Pandemic

McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center serves over 1,500 children in our community annually who have been severely physically and sexually abused. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, that has not changed. Advocates, law enforcement, child welfare, medical and mental health professionals continue to work to help children receive the services they need.

We know that during this time of isolation, many children are in dangerous situations. The very people who were their safety nets — school personnel, extended family, friends and neighbors — are no longer seeing them. In many cases children are isolated with the very people who abuse them. Families are stressed due to job loss, food and housing concerns, and juggling remote work and remote learning. During times of crisis, statistics show that incidents of child abuse and exploitation increase. Once this pandemic has passed, the Child Advocacy Center will undoubtedly see many more children who have endured the trauma of physical and sexual abuse. We must prepare now to help our children.

Our best prevention is awareness. Please spread the word that we as a community have a responsibility to keep children safe, especially now. The resources listed below will help you and others to build that awareness.

Together, we can make a difference in our community and during this pandemic to help children and families who are struggling and stressed. Working side by side we can help all children during this difficult time.

Activities for Children to do at Home

Times are tough and being stuck inside can be difficult for many children. The internet has so many great, free resources to help entertain your children while they are home. Here are some ideas for you to try this week:

1) The Cincinnati Zoo is hosting a youtube series called Home Safari. These are educational videos to teach children about animals and their exhibits, they even include a fun quiz at the end! Find the videos here: https://m.youtube.com/user/CincinnatiZooTube#menu

2) The Melissa and Doug Blog has a number of different printable activity sheets and crafts. Find these here: https://www.melissaanddoug.com/blogcategory/?catId=13

3) Lake Shore Learning has over 1,000 different free resources for both teachers and parents. These include crafts, worksheets, word searches and much more. Find these here: https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/resources/free-resources…

4) Link to numerous ideas for toddlers. https://www.millionwaystomother.com/25-no-prep-toddler-activities-easy/

5) A salt dough recipe to make Easter decorations and or any other decorations, make the dough, cut them out, bake them one day and paint them the next day and the next day, decorate with them.. https://www.designmom.com/diy-salt-dough-eggs/

6) Dancing, Yoga, and other physical activities for children. gonoodle.com

Covid-19 Resources

Awareness of Child Abuse during a Global Pandemic

Parents/Caregivers

Kids & Youth

Internet Safety

School Professionals

Online Trainings

Additional Resource

Activities for Children to do at Home