August 10, 2020 - Executive Director COVID-19 Update
It is hard to believe that it’s been 6 months already since we received our first shipment of Personal Protective Equipment back in February! That is when we began to make significant changes to policies, procedures, and to our family rooms as we implemented heightened personal and facility sanitation, hand washing, and what still seems like gallons of hand sanitizer.
Here we all are, 6 months later, and going strong with no cases of infection among our client families, staff, or volunteers! Hand washing, face masks (covering nose and mouth!!), social distancing, and protective barriers between staff and clients and between parent and child from different households while eating is now the norm. Most of our families who paused services when the state shutdown occurred, have returned. We continue to do virtual visitations for some families at higher risk for infection and will continue to do so going forward.
We are onboarding new families every week in our 2 Home Kids supervised visitation and safe exchange program. Our Transitions therapy and education programs -- virtually and in-person, are thriving! Some of the highest demand services now are parenting, co-parenting, and emotion (anger) management classes. Next in line? Couples therapy, parent-child interactive therapies, child play therapy, Family Court Services preparation, and a range of substance use services through our Substance Use Clinic (counseling - individual and family, outpatient education and treatment, forensic assessments, personal assessments).
Our Bridges services are being utilized at a higher rate as well. For example, we provide private rooms where children can participate digitally for court appearances and FCS interviews. The same service is utilized by some parents without access to the necessary electronics. Our Property Transfer service allows parents to drop off and pick up property without any contact, and with the knowledge that we have inventoried the property should a question arise. Bridges conducts Home Safety Checks, Home Welfare Checks for parents with a history of substance use challenges, and transitional services from agency-based to home-based services for our established families who are ready for the next step.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with your needs, questions, or feedback! We are here to serve you.
MS MA, LMFT
Executive Director