The experience of the COVID‐19 pandemic for families of infants involved with Child Protection Services for maltreatment concerns

Abstract

The COVID‐19 pandemic and associated physical distancing restrictions have exacerbated social, economic and health disadvantage within our communities. With increases in mental health difficulties and family violence already being seen, there is concern that the risk of child maltreatment risk may also be increased. The current study aimed to explore the experience of the COVID‐19 pandemic for families identified to be at risk of child maltreatment in Victoria, Australia. Understanding the experiences of the pandemic for families already at risk is essential in identifying how to best support vulnerable parents and young children during this challenging time. Interviews were conducted with 11 parents currently involved with Child Protection Services, and nine clinicians working within a child and family health services, supporting clients with child protection involvement. Parents and clinicians described a range of pandemic related stressors including employment and financial stress, worry about infection and changes to service access. In addition, parents with children in out of home care discussed decreased access to their children resulting from physical distancing restrictions. Parents and clinicians perceived the pandemic to be having a negative impact on parent mental health, parenting stress and isolation. Although parents raised minimal concerns about the impact of the pandemic on child well‐being, clinicians expressed concerns about the rise in risk factors for child maltreatment. Parents discussed a range of coping strategies which they perceived to be helpful during the pandemic, and clinicians and parents described the need for additional mental health support and support to access basic needs. The study highlights the importance of ensuring at risk families have access to parenting and mental health support throughout the pandemic and the importance of ensuring children within at‐risk families are sighted and their safety assessed.

‘The Pandemic Affected My Life in a Negative Way’: The Experiences of Estonian Children in Child Protective Services During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

“…The pandemic is considered to cause greater distress and risks of child abuse and neglect (Baldwin & De Young, 2021 ; Brown et al, 2021 ; Giannotti et al, 2021 ; Teo & Griffiths, 2020 ). Several scholars have raised arguments that victims of neglect, abuse and domestic violence have severely limited contact with the outside world during the pandemic, compromising their access to support and help (Campbell, 2020 ; Fogarty et al, 2021 ; Usher et al, 2020 ). Vogel et al ( 2021 ) found that psychological and physical well‐being decreased during the lockdown compared to before COVID‐19.…”

“…This effect was felt even more strongly by vulnerable children and families due to school closures, the loss of access to social safety nets and impacts on Child Protective Services (CPS) (Cuevas‐Parra, 2021 ; Katz et al, 2021 ; Kelly & Hansel, 2020 ; Usher et al, 2020 ). Families already experiencing disadvantages may be most at risk of negative social, economic and health outcomes (Fogarty et al, 2021 , p. 2). Scholars have highlighted that children and families in CPS are the most vulnerable groups (Bolborici, 2020 ; Peet & Teh, 2020 ).…”

COVID-19—What Price Do Children Pay? An Analysis of Economic and Social Policy Factors

“…However, since the start of the pandemic, precisely this social support has been only very limited or not possible at all. Moreover, a recent study in Australia demonstrated that in the course of the pandemic, covering the cost of basic needs, such as food and rent, became such an overriding everyday concern that in a survey of families with children rated at risk of maltreatment before the pandemic "the impact of the pandemic on the well-being of children was not a prominent theme for parents" [104] (p. 5).…”

COVID‐19: Impact on children living in out‐of‐home care and their carers

“…Other international studies have reported similar results (Langley et al, 2021; Singer & Brodzinsky, 2020); however, the longer‐term effects of this disruption on these relationships are currently unknown. Australian parents with children in OOHC have also reported the distressing nature of reduced or no contact (Fogarty et al, 2022). Yet there is also evidence of efforts being made by service providers to implement supportive practices and increase communication to vulnerable families and children (Seay & McRell, 2021; Wilke et al, 2020).…”