Aurora, Colo., March 27, 2020 – Arapahoe County child and adult protection workers have stepped up health protection protocols to help slow the spread of COVID-19 among both clients and staff when delivering human services and protection services for at-risk adults in Arapahoe County.
Prior to face-to-face contact, screeners and caseworkers are asking every client questions about recent travel, their general health and well-being, and whether they may have had any physical contact with someone with COVID-19. The answers will help workers plan a proper response. If caseworkers are responding to a call of abuse and neglect and health concerns exist in the household, personal protective equipment (PPE) is available as recommended by the Arapahoe County Office of Emergency Management.
It is a state and federal requirement that our primary operations continue during this time. The welfare and safety of the public, especially vulnerable children, families and at-risk adults, continues to be a priority in Arapahoe County, as essential governmental functions will remain open during the Stay at Home Public Health Order issued by Gov. Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment effective Mar. 26.
All Arapahoe County buildings will remain closed to the public through at least April 17, 2020 to help curb the spread of COVID-19, but Human Services caseworkers are working remotely in order to continue to meet the needs of Arapahoe County citizens. All essential meetings and team efforts are being conducted via video conferencing or phone. “More than ever, we rely on technology to help us visit our clients virtually, and check in on families during this crisis,” said Arapahoe County Human Services Director, Cheryl Ternes. “But as an essential governmental agency, we have a duty to provide the services and face-to-face contact that are required in many cases to ensure that children and youth in Arapahoe County are protected from abuse and neglect.”
Arapahoe County remains committed to delivering our crucial human services, and we thank all the citizens who are abiding by the issued stay-at-home order and promoting the health and the safety of our children, families and at-risk adults.
Our crisis hotline remains open, and reports of potential abuse and neglect to children and at-risk adults will continue to be received with no disruption. Please report potential child abuse or neglect by calling 303-636-1750 or 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437). More than half of all child abuse and neglect phone calls received in Arapahoe County come from mandatory reporters, including teachers and school staff. While schools are closed in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, it is even more important that everyone report their concerns about the safety and well-being of a child or teen.
For general questions to Arapahoe County Child and Adult Protection Services call 303-636-1589.
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