As this outbreak of COVID-19 continues, the CAC is committed to our mission to help the child victims of abuse in Erie County and to ensure child abuse prevention is a priority in our community.
We hope the following resources will be helpful as you adapt and respond during these uncertain times.
Resources related to COVID-19
National, State & Local Government information
Safe2Say Something: The social distancing requirements related to the fight against COVID-19 may have the unintended effect of increasing stress, anxiety and depression. In addition, the problem of cyber-bullying hasn’t disappeared just because Pennsylvania schools are closed. If you, or someone you know, is in a vulnerable situation, you can go on the Safe2Stay app and someone will be there to help, 24/7/365. Learn more and download the Safe2Say app at https://www.safe2saypa.org. Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Resources for Pennsylvanians: https://www.toomey.senate.gov/?p=issue&id=62
Resources and Assistance for those in Pennsylvania: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/Pages/Services-for-PA-COVID19.aspx
Erie County PA resources and links: https://eriecountypa.gov/departments/health/resources/cdc-coronavirus-disease-2019/
Information in multiple languages through Erie County Government page: https://cityof.erie.pa.us/2020/03/18/covid-19-helpful-information/
Erie School District updated information: https://www.eriesd.org/combatcovid
Community resource information
211 HELPLINE: United Way of Erie County’s 211 Helpline is available for those who need information and referral during this time. 211 is FREE, confidential and available 24/7/365 to all residents in Erie County. Need help? Don’t know where to turn? You can dial 2-1-1, visit PA211NW.org to conduct your own search, or text your need and zip code to 898-211 to receive information by text.
Second Harvest Food Bank: Located at 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie, PA 16501. Open Monday through Friday, 7 am – 3 pm. 814-459-3663. https://www.nwpafoodbank.org/covid-19/
United Way list of resource links: https://www.uwp.org/pacovid/
For Children
Fred Rogers Productions: Offers resources to help families during the COVID-19 outbreak. https://www.fredrogers.org/coronavirus/
Scholastic Learn at Home: A free learn-at-home website with content organized by grade level. https://www.classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
WQLN learning at home information link: https://www.wqln.org/Kids/Learning-At-Home#resources
General Resources
In Erie County alone, there are more than 1,000 instances of reported child abuse each year. And the national statistics are even more staggering. The following resources provide more information on how you can help protect the children in your life from abuse:
- Childhelp
- Darkness to Light
- Do Something
- First Star: Putting Children First
- Midwest Regional Children’s Advocacy Center
- National Children’s Advocacy Center
- National Children’s Alliance
- Northeast Regional Children’s Advocacy Center
- Pennsylvania Chapter of Children’s Advocacy Centers & Multidisciplinary Teams
- Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
- What is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
