As a global pandemic unfolds, financial markets endure historic volatility, and data indicates that South Florida is in the throes of a recession. Yet our community must not overlook the needs of nearly 34,000 children in Florida’s foster care system. Closed courtrooms, shuttered schools and intense social isolation measures are putting added stress on our state’s child welfare system and the vulnerable children and families it serves.

Research shows that economic slowdowns cause an uptick in child abuse and neglect. The rate of reported child neglect cases in the United States increased 21.6% during the Great Recession, according to federal statistics. Studies of that time period also document heightened risk of domestic violence against mothers, which can adversely affect the physical and mental health of their children. Meanwhile, “stay- at-home” orders are keeping children away from the watchful gaze of teachers, who report an estimated 20% of child abuse and neglect incidents.

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