Today, along with the State’s COVID-19 Report Card, the California Governor announced that he will release new guidelines on May 7. The guidelines will provide a framework to counties and cities to begin moving into the early phases of Stage Two of the four-stage reopening process (i.e., opening of specific lower risk workplaces with modifications and adaptations). Conditions vary widely across California. As Culver City is nestled in a densely populated county, which has seen over half of the COVID-19 deaths in the State, we will continue to monitor and comply with the guidance of local health officials and move in concert with fellow cities in the region. Currently, the local Safer at Home order is set to expire on May 15. We look forward to sharing additional information as it becomes available. 

2. Find Child Care Options Near You

Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new portal to help parents, including essential workers and vulnerable families, find safe, reliable and accessible child care options. The new portal is available online and enables parents to enter their location and the type of care they need, instantly receiving a list of local center-based and family child care programs. The list of open licensed child care programs will include health and safety information, age of children accepted, capacity, availability, hours, and contact information for the program and local Child Care Resource and Referral agency. The Child Care Resource and Referral agencies can answer general questions, including those about child care subsidies.

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3. Los Angeles County’s Department of Children and Family Services Wants You to Know

Los Angeles County’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) wants you to know that if you test positive for COVID-19, your children will NOT be removed from your home.

DCFS is committed to working closely with County partners and allies in the child welfare community to ensure the safety of children during this pandemic and beyond. Moreover, the department and its community partners want to dispel misconceptions and make certain that Los Angeles County residents have the most current information.

In some communities, for example, residents mistakenly believe that if parents or guardians are COVID-positive DCFS will remove children from their care, which is incorrect. COVID status does not put your kids in peril. DCFS is only focused on reports of abuse and neglect.

To address this and other concerns, DCFS has been actively engaged in a robust public information campaign. Most recently, the department issued a public service announcement that calls on residents to make an investment into the welfare of families in our communities by reporting neglect or abuse.

The County of Los Angeles is asking County residents to be observant friends, neighbors or relatives—to ensure children in LA County remain in safe and healthy environments during the COVID-19 health crisis. With increasing pressures deriving from school closures, limited childcare options, rising unemployment rates and fewer social connections, LA County's most vulnerable families are feeling unprecedented stress.

DCFS recently announced the Child Protection Hotline has seen a 50% decline in the number of calls received. Prior to COVID-19, it received approximately 1,000 reports on an average day.

Without calls from observant teachers, childcare or medical providers, LA County social workers are unable to initiate contact and investigate suspected neglect or abuse. That is why we urge residents to be attentive and watchful. 

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call LA County's Child Protection Hotline at (800) 540-4000.

To learn more about DCFS efforts to keep children and families safe during COVID-19, visit them online.