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ZEBULON - The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services is committed to ensuring the safety of children and youth throughout the state. The COVID-19 pandemic brings with it uncertainties, anxiety and risks. Parents and families may be experiencing increased stress due to the inability to work and other unexpected difficulties caused by the pandemic. With schools and daycares closed, and parents working from home, we all need to support families in our neighborhoods to help keep children safe.
Here are some quick tips for creating communities where children are safe, thriving, and full of hope in Georgia during the COVID-19 pandemic, while following the CDC’s recommendation of maintaining a safe physical distance:
• Check in on your parent friends and be a support they can reach out to
• Connect with family, friends and neighbors through phone calls, FaceTime/Skype and social media
• Go outside and greet and talk to neighbors and children from a safe distance; ask them how things are going.
• Play an online card or board game with family, friends or neighbors.
• Note when children you used to see in their yards or around the apartment complex are not outside and ask about them.
• Follow up if something seems wrong. Don’t ignore the shouts or arguments coming from a neighbor’s home
• Host a virtual meal with your neighbors
• Do yard work for a neighbor in need
• Assist in your neighborhood schools’ efforts to pass out meals to children.
• If you suspect abuse and/or neglect, please report it by dialing 1-855-GACHILD
You can also visit dfcs.georgia.gov/services/child-abuse-neglect for more information about child abuse prevention efforts across Georgia.