The Child & Family Guidance Center, (CFGC), has actively put in place swift and dramatic measures to ensure the safety of their workforce and community while continuing essential services to the neediest families. Key to making this possible has been a generous $25,000 grant from The Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, and a $10,000 grant from Near & Far Aid to provide telehealth services, deep cleaning and hygiene services as well as general support for the continuation of services during the COVID-19 crisis.
“After putting into place early protocols to keep our staff and clients safe in our Bridgeport, Stratford and Norwalk locations in addition to the communities where we serve, it was evident by March 17th that we had to look very differently at how to continue services to families and kids,” said CEO/President Michael Patota referring to the agency’s response to coronavirus safe social distancing measures, and Governor Ned Lamont’s Stay Home Stay Safe directive. CFGC provides clinical mental healthcare in outpatient and in-home settings, including case management services for families who live in or close to the federal poverty level. In many instances, families are referred to the agency by the Department of Children and Families for intervention and prevention of abuse, neglect and juvenile justice involvement.
“We are an essential service and our front line workers are in the communities, helping parents learn safe, nurturing skills to raise emotionally healthy children. Many of the kids who come to us for treatment have acute mental health and medication management needs,” he added. After a mandate by DCF to cease in-person services on March 17th, the agency created an unprecedented departure from usual operations, equipping its approximate 100 clinicians and case managers with software and hardware necessary for remote, video conference telehealth appointments with their clients.
He also noted the dedication of his team during what has been uncharted and uncertain times. “We have all been concerned about the health and welfare of our clients, one another, and our own families. In the midst of all this anxiety and confusion, I’ve been profoundly moved by the “all-hands-on-deck" and professionalism throughout the agency. Our technology, clinicians, case managers, administrative, and facilities management teams have stepped up to do what it takes to make these dramatic changes happen for the most at risk families."
To support the Child & Family Guidance Center during this unprecedented time, individuals can donate on-line at .http://cfguidance.com/support/.
About The Child & Family Guidance Center:
Since 1925, The Child & Family Guidance Center has helped children and families who struggle with mental health issues. Their goal is for all Fairfield County children to be emotionally and psychologically healthy so that they can reach their maximum potential at home, at school and in life. For more information, visit www.cfguidance.org