AB gov implores the public to keep an eye out for child abuse

Minister of Children’s Services, Rebecca Schulz began the April 21st COVID-19 update by addressing concerns regarding non-profit organizations, homeless shelters, women’s shelters, and issued a request to keep an eye out for child abuse.

Schulz announced that the province has received more than 800 applications for charity and on profit grants. Effective April 21st at 6 PM the provincial government is suspending applications for the funding.

Additional homeless shelters have been operating in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Grande Prairie. The use of hotels and motels will be used as assisted isolation centers.

“We continue to focus our efforts moving people out of the shelter system and into their own homes. Shelter operators and community-based organizations are leading this important work and since this crisis began more than 400 people have now found housing,” said Shulz.

Shulz announced that $5 million in grants will be going towards women’s emergency shelters throughout the province. To provide additional supports for women who are facing domestic abuse during this time.

Then Minister encouraged the public to keep an eye out for child abuse and neglect.

“Children services has seen a significant drop in the reports of child abuse and neglect. While the majority of concerns that are typically brought to the ministry’s attention, do not result in children coming into care. We do know that parents and families especially vulnerable parents and families are struggling right now right across Alberta. This pandemic has intensified many of the factors that lead to child abuse, maltreatment, and neglect. Job uncertainty loss of income and self-isolation will only aggravate situations where children already may be at risk,” said Schulz.

Schulz implored the public to keep an eye out for children at risk. To report suspicious situations, you can call the child abuse hotline at 1-800-387-5437 or call 911.

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw shared information about the proper use of facial masks as their use has become recommended.

“They should cover both the mouth and the nose. They should be taken off with clean hands and promptly disposed of or put immediately in a bag and then washed. Hands should be immediately washed after taking off a mask,” explained Hinshaw.

Dr. Hinshaw noted that much of the province wants to see restrictions lifted given the province’s success in preventing the spread.

“We cannot take our success for granted and we need to continue being vigilant. We must keep collectively forming that barrier by our actions if we want to be successful in our opening.”

The doctor noted that the virus is still with us and must be prevented in all ways possible for the time being. Lifting restrictions puts the province at risk of additional outbreaks.

To read more about this update, click here.