MEDIA RELEASE

Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society Responds to COVID-19

Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society supports the Province’s decision to include Children’s Aid Societies in the list of essential businesses, organizations and social services under the recent state of emergency order.
Children’s Aid Societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies are focused on safety, protection and wellbeing of children, youth and strengthening families during the crisis, while also following the guidance of Public Health Ontario and our local health units on public health and safety matters.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, KHCAS’s commitment to working with children, youth and families remains unwavering and together staff and community partners are working to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are taken care of.
“Along with our community we have taken steps to modify how we deliver service to children, youth and families, including closing our offices to outside visitors, having most of our staff work from home and limiting close face to face contact wherever possible, to limit the spread of infection. Staff remain available to speak with the community and phone lines remain open. Every day we are monitoring for updates and making adjustments to our services as needed. We take the health and well being of our communities and staff seriously” said Jennifer McLauchlan, Executive Director (A).
“We are updating our website regularly and have been working in partnership with the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation to ensure children and families continue to have access to much needed supports”.
Ms. McLauchlan also remind the public that if anyone has a concern about the safety or well-being of a child or youth under 18, they should immediately call the Society, day or night at 1-800-661-2843.
“During this time, we can’t thank our staff enough for their dedication and tireless efforts to serve families and helping to keep children and youth safe in our communities. This includes those staff who are providing the supportive services to keep the business operating” added Ms. McLauchlan.

For more information contact:
Amy O’Connell, Executive Assistant
amy.oconnell@khcas.on.ca
(705) 743-9751 ext. 1341