CASA OF HARFORD COUNTY’S COVID-19 RESPONSE, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES

Updated December 1, 2020



The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has continued to evolve since we first heard about it in the past few weeks. Our primary concern is always for the well being of the children, families, volunteers, and staff who are associated with CASA of Harford County. 


While this is a time of uncertainty and fear for all of us, it’s likely that our children in foster care are suffering the most. Many of these children have experienced severe trauma and are currently separated from their loved ones. Over the next few days, weeks, and months, we will be particularly mindful of not compounding those traumas by abandoning our children when they need us the most. We promise to do our best to continue our advocacy, while also ensuring the safety of CASA of Harford County staff and volunteers.


There have been new guidelines about how we interact socially including the use of social distancing, minimizing participation in large gatherings, and changes in business operations. We continue to closely follow the evolution of COVID–19 and its potential impact on the operations of CASA of Harford County and the child welfare system. As things evolve, our operations may continue to change, so we appreciate your flexibility. As of December 1, 2020:


 

  • Due to the recent spike in CORONA Virus numbers in Maryland, we have decided to change our visitation policy once again to no longer allow in-person visits between CASAs and their assigned children and youth.  We are, again, requesting that each volunteer maintain weekly contact with their child through telephone, text, social media, cards and letters or other ways they deem appropriate.

 

 

  • CASA of Harford County has continued to participate in virtual hearings held by the Circuit Court each week.  Advocates continue to submit reports and provide feedback when able to at the virtual hearing.

 

  • The CASA office at 101 South Main Street, Suite 303 has begun a gradual reopening process.  Staff are continuing to primarily work from home, but there will be office coverage 2-3 days out of the week.  This may increase at some time in the future.  No in-person trainings are being held at the office and there are procedural guidelines to maintain office safety and the safety of any possible visitors.


  • Pre-Service Training is now being completed virtually via a Guided Learning Curriculum developed by National CASA.  Our next training will be held in January and April.


  • We will continue to recruit volunteers and respond to any received inquiries or applications because, to put it frankly, child abuse and neglect do not take a day off and when all of this passes, the children will still need CASAs. We are currently conducting virtual interviews with interested applicants to keep the process moving.

 

 

  • We will continue to engage with our volunteers as much as possible during this time of social distancing through regular email contact, phone calls and possible virtual meetings.

 


We encourage all of our volunteers, staff, and supporters to stay informed and protect themselves and others. Please continue to visit this page for updates.  If you have any other questions about our process and procedure in regards to this issue, please don't hesitate to reach out to me via email at rpdiedoardo@harfordcountymd.gov.  Thank you.


Be safe and be well,