CLC’s Response to COVID-19
To The Children’s Law Center Community,
In light of current events and the challenges we are all facing with COVID-19, we will not be sending out our traditional Spring Newsletter. We do, however, want to update you about the current status of CLC and our programs.
We at CLC take our responsibility to our clients and families very seriously. We have been closely following guidance from the CDC and local health authorities to ensure we have the right plans in place to safeguard everyone’s health and well-being while also maintaining the resources to support our clients and their families at this challenging time.
It is our expectation that CLC will be able to provide continued, quality services to our clients and their families.
On Monday, March 16th, in an effort to support “social distancing,” CLC authorized staff to work remotely and restricted public access to our physical office. Nevertheless, CLC does continue to operate:
- Legal Representation is ongoing. While our court time has been curtailed by court restrictions imposed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our staff attorneys and social worker continue to work on cases while off-site. We have remote desktop access to our files and phone, email, and active case management continues. Meetings that are traditionally done in person are temporarily being done using video conferencing. Staff continue to have 24/7 access to our office so they may access any additional resources they may need in off-peak hours.
- The Children’s LawLine remains open. We are asking individuals contacting us for legal advice over the telephone to leave a voicemail message with their name and phone number. These messages are forwarded to a staff attorney who will return calls within 24-hours. We remain available to provide this much needed information and advice.
- Families in Transition is online. We are holding off on scheduling any new FIT cases but parents in existing cases have been given the option to keep scheduled appointments and have their session held over video conferencing.
- The office is being maintained. Our professional assistant and CLC directors are maintaining the office on a rotating schedule. We will be checking our mailbox and fax machine and handling administrative duties in a timely manner throughout this uncertain time.
Many of the families we serve will be affected most drastically by the closing of schools and layoffs from jobs. While the outbreak of COVID-19 has caused stress and anxiety, it has also brought out the best in people. Here are some ways to help the most vulnerable:
Feeding America offers people a way to donate to food banks nationwide. If you want to donate locally, simply type in your zip code to find your local food bank. Monetary donations can be made online. No leaving the house!
Meals on Wheels serves vulnerable seniors who are at the greatest risk with COVID-19. The organization has created a Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund for cash donations but you can also volunteer.
American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage and is urging people to donate blood if possible.
If you are personally in need of additional support, please visit 211-CT, text 2-1-1, text “CTCOVID” to 898211, or visit the State’s coronavirus information website at www.ct.gov/coronavirus to access information and services.
To reach us, please contact us by email at clc@clcct.org or call our office at 860-232-9993.
Both email and voicemail are being checked daily. Your message will be forwarded to the appropriate person and replied to within 24 hours.
We are sending well wishes to everyone who has been effected by COVID-19 and hope everyone stays as healthy and safe as they can.