We are here to make your life a little easier in this time of great uncertainty. The constant bombardment of news/social media can get tiresome. That’s why we’ve gathered all of the most helpful information regarding COVID-19 and put it in one place for you. This page will continue to be updated as we learn more information.
What to Do If You Are Sick
Talking With Kids About COVID-19
Emotional Well-Being During COVID-19
Activities for Kids
Financial Assistance
Foster Youth Resources
Foster Parent Information
Trainings
COVID-19 Facts & Guidance (English & Spanish)
How You Can Help
What to Do If You Are Sick
- Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
- Follow these steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
- You can find links to more fact sheets below.
Talking With Kids About COVID-19
- Talking to children about Coronavirus – NASP
- TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS, PARENTS, AND TEACHERS DURING INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
Emotional Well-Being During COVID-19
Perhaps our biggest challenge during the pandemic is managing stress. We are finding a “new normal” both for ourselves and our families. Here are some helpful articles to guide you through this season.
- 12 Tips To Make Quarantine A Positive Experience For Your Family
- Manage Anxiety & Stress – CDC
- Combating a Mental Health Pandemic – Psychology Today
- Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- Coping and Staying Emotionally Well During COVID-19-related School Closures
- Childline’s Online Resource for Kids Experiencing Stress About COVID-19
The Child Mind Institute is open and available for you and your child during this crisis. They specialize in treatment for ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders and learning disorders. Resources include:
- Facebook Live video chats with expert clinicians (10am and 4.30pm)
- Remote evaluations and telemedicine
- Phone consultations for follow-up about Facebook Live events and other questions about the best way to manage kids at home
- Daily tips for parenting during the crisis, via email
Parents Anonymous has launched a helpline for parents and youth in California, which provides support and addresses the stress and concerns of the COVID -19 Virus impacting your family. They are Open 8 am-8 pm Monday – Sunday to talk by phone or text in both English, Spanish and other languages. 1-855-427-2736
Activities for Kids
One of the positives amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has been the outpouring of free educational resources being made available to families. Take this opportunity to dive into the world of virtual learning and discovery! (Click a photo to follow the link)
Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing
As long as schools are closed, Audible is offering their kid’s collection of audio books for FREE
Explore national parks, zoos, or even Mars!
You can still visit the most magical place on Earth…from your couch!
Currently offering 3 weeks for free!
Yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation designed specially for kids
This comprehensive list is categorized by subject/interest
Education companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings
Awesome websites for teaching and learning math
This massive collection of Disney Coloring pages has all your favorite Disney Characters!
Take this opportunity to dive into art!
Financial Assistance
- Support Services for those who are Sick, Quarantined, Caregiving, or Dealing with Reduced Work Hours
- Benefits for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
- Getting Internet Access: Available Plans
- What should I do if I am unable to work after being exposed to COVID-19?
Individuals who are unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim.
Disability Insurance provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50 – $1,300 a week.
Californians who are unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim.
Paid Family Leave provides up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.
For more information related to resources for California’s Employers and Workers, please visit this Labor and Workforce Development Agency webpage.
Foster Youth Resources
- Fostering Support COVID19
- Laptop Wait List
- Emergency Assistance for Displaced College Youth
- Restoration & Community: Weekly Zoom Meeting
Foster Parent Information
Koinonia works hard to ensure that resource families, placed children/youth and staff are safe, protected and free from potential transmission of contagious or infectious diseases. We also understand family visits are an essential service for youth in foster care. During this time, we are doing everything we can to maintain important connections while observing the latest health care directives.
For updates and specific information regarding visitations, please refer to your local Koinonia staff.
Are you a foster family that could use support in the form of a sponsored meal? Do you know a foster family that would benefit from a sponsored meal? Visit TogetherWeRise to apply for the Foster Family Hero Dinner Program.
Trainings
- Ongoing Trainings: As a foster/adoptive parent, we realize there may still be trainings you need to keep up on, and we cannot thank you enough for stepping up in this time of unprecedented need. The virtual Resource Parent Training will be available starting April 18. Please contact your local district office for details about ongoing trainings.
- Orientation Trainings: These informational meetings are designed to give you a clearer picture of what Koinonia’s foster care and adoption process looks like. We are here to answer your questions and help you determine if fostering/adoption is a good fit for your family. Visit this page to learn about scheduling a virtual orientation today.
COVID-19 Facts & Guidance (English & Spanish)
- Symptoms of Coronavirus (English)
- Symptoms of Coronavirus (Spanish)
- What to do if you are sick with COVID-19 (English)
- What to do if you are sick with COVID-19 (Spanish)
- Share Facts Not Fear (English)
- Share Facts Not Fear (Spanish)
- 10 Ways to Manage Respiratory Symptoms at Home
- Guidance for Cleaning Residences
- Safe Grocery Shopping in COVID-19 Pandemic (Instructional Video)
How You Can Help
- Curious how you can support Koinonia families and staff during this time? Find out more here.
- Do you know a foster family that would benefit from a sponsored meal? Visit TogetherWeRise to apply for the Foster Family Hero Dinner Program.
- We understand not everyone is in a place to give, but if you have the means to provide financial support to vulnerable children and families, please consider making a donation. Due to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, our donors are now eligible for enhanced tax benefits.
- If you’d like to learn more about becoming a foster parent, please submit an inquiry here.
