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The COVID-19 event continues to affect families worldwide. Strengthening families and communities has never been more important than it is right now. PEI is here to help.
Our program specialists have been compiling family and caregiver resources alongside public health information for you. We will be sending this message out weekly to our PEI Community of providers, stakeholders and advocates until the COVID-19 event lessens. To review previously released resources visit our website.
Feel free to share these links with coworkers, on social media and in communications to your staff, stakeholders and community members.
Want to get tested for coronavirus?
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has published an interactive map of COVID-19 testing locations. Visit covidtest.tdem.texas.gov to find one of the 400+ testing locations nearest you.
Reopening Texas: Guidance from the Governor's Office
On May 5, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order to expand openings of certain businesses and activities in Texas. Review all DSHS guidance for opening the State of Texas.
Texas Receives Federal Funding for Crisis Counseling
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received $5.8 million in federal funding to provide crisis counseling services to Texans who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant allows 31 local mental health and behavioral health authorities (LMHAs/LBHAs) to connect Texans to short-term crisis counseling services. Visit the Mental Health & Substance Use Resources web page or dial 2-1-1 to learn about programs and services.
Texas COVID Relief Fund
The Texas COVID Relief Fund will provide critical funding and resources to organizations across the state working on the ground to support the economic recovery of local communities. Funds raised will be distributed through grants focused on the areas of community and economic development, healthcare, and education. Funds will also be used to support local priorities and organizations serving the unmet needs of vulnerable populations and under-served communities. Sign up here to receive e-mail notifications when funding opportunities through the Texas COVID Relief Fund become available.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR)
This request outlines the agency’s funding needs for fiscal years 2022 through 2023. You can share your ideas and recommendations about what should be in the LAR by sending an email to DFPSLARSuggestions@dfps.state.tx.us. The deadline for comments is May 31.
Join Christian Moore, the founder of the WhyTry Program, Clint Pulver, a nationally recognized speaker and motivation guru and Jason Johnson a school psychologist and resilience expert as they share insights and ideas for teachers and parents on how to motivate students to be passionate and engaged in their education. The webinar begins Monday, May 11th, 2:00 PM CST.
Register Online
The PEI "Real Talk" section is LIVE on our parenting help site HelpandHope.org! We are always on the lookout for new questions to cover for Real Talk; here's the latest questions for you to consider:
Send your advice to peinews@dfps.state.tx.us. We look forward to supporting parents and caregivers with real answers!
Hogg Foundation Mental Health Resource Page
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The Hogg Foundation has assembled a list of resources for both mental health and coping with COVID-19 for both professionals and the general public. Resources for Mental Health and COVID-19
Free Dental Training Resources for Home Visitors Now Available
Smiles for Moms and Babies works directly with TX Home Visiting (HV) Programs to provide oral health education about the importance of regular dental check-ups and home care for mom and baby. Check out their new video and lesson plan about what to expect during your child’s first dental visit. New materials are available in English and Spanish.
Keeping Children Safe Wherever You Go - Tipsheet Now Available
Parenting is hard and the extra stress of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is making it harder. PEI has created two new tip sheets in English and Spanish for providers to share with parents.
COVID-19 Workforce Virtual Toolkit
The Health and Human Services Agency has published COVID-19 Workforce Virtual Toolkit: Resources for Healthcare Decision-Makers Responding to COVID-19 Workforce Concerns. It provides links to tools and resource collections relating to federal regulatory and funding flexibilities, licensure and scope of practice expansions, liability protections, workforce resilience and protection and COVID-19-related training resources.
Lunch & Learn: Keep Calm and Parent On: Tips for Coping with Quarantine
Join licensed psychologists Amanda Jordan and Corey Heath from Cook Children's Medical Center as they discuss the psychological impact of COVID-19 on working adults. Jordan and Heath will also explore how to support children and families as they adjust to social distancing and staying home. Join the webinar May 12, 12:00 p.m. CST
How to Build Resilience From the Stress of the Coronavirus
This article from AARP offers concrete guidance on how to manage stress and anxiety during the pandemic, including how to manage personal risk, isolation and connecting with others safely.
Masks and Children: What you Need to Know
Current guidelines state that masks should not be placed on children younger than 2 years of age. Download and share these infographics from HelpAndHope.org for use on your social media accounts:
Kids Resources from Prosper Waco
The Alliance for Safe Children and Kindergarten Readiness and Child Safety Task Group in have published a list of parent and child resources on the Waco-McLennan County Public Library website. Visit them online.
Father-Child Activities while the Kids are at Home
The National Fatherhood Clearinghouse published a blog post geared towards fathers and children, with a variety of activities, tips and online resources to share and enjoy at home.
Homeschooling Hours by Grade
The Illinois State Board of Education has released a new set of recommendations for learning at home that breaks down educational needs by grade level and shows the minimum and maximum amounts of time kids in every age group should spend on school work each day. The recommendations reflect a new direction in amount of time spent learning, limiting much of the process to under two hours each day. Homeschooling Hours Chart
Getting your Graduate Ready for College?
StudentAid.gov has updated information and resources for parents and children applying to or already in college who are affected by the coronavirus. They also offer checklists for parents and students applying for financial aid for the first time.
PEI Communications would like your help to make our messaging and information the best it can be for your needs. Please take a moment to provide feedback on our electronic communications with this survey. Your responses will help guide our communications efforts for providers, stakeholders and the PEI community.
We invite all our stakeholders to follow DFPS Social Media accounts at the links below, and check in and promote Help and Hope on our website and Facebook pages as we continue to update information and resources. If you have resources to share, send them to peinews@dfps.state.tx.us.
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