During the pandemic, fear of spreading germs has turned average people into virtual germaphobes. Most of us are cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing every high-touch surface in our homes, cars and workplaces. But going too far or failing to use safety precautions can also pose serious risks.

Our goal in serving and protecting children and families is always to make the family “whole” again by safely reuniting them, if possible. Often, this involves our foster parents working with, coaching, and supporting the birth family with the added help of our numerous community-based services.

Hundreds of local families and older adults are in need of support at this time, and the County’s Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS) are stepping up to help through our Operation: Cuyahoga Cares program.

While the office is currently closed to the public, the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative continues to provide access to services for fathers to help meet the emotional, psychological, and financial needs of their children.

In an effort to make sure no one loses access to their medical benefits during this critical time, Cuyahoga County is implementing a number of policy changes designed to reduce the number of Medicaid discontinuances during the pandemic.

Cathy Rush is caught up in a mask-making craze. The talented crafter has shifted her focus from turning out dog blankets and aprons to lifesaving masks.

As we navigate the new reality of life during the era of COVID-19, we are having to make difficult adjustments to our comforting routines. This new reality can leave us feeling a bit disconnected and lost.

As COVID-19 impacts Ohio, it exposes the populations most vulnerable to the pandemic including currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. Most people with a criminal history will find it harder now, more than ever, to find housing due to the broad deployment of criminal background and credit checks.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has provided Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to Cuyahoga County for distribution through the Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) program. The funding is designated for TANF eligible families affected by COVID-19.

The staff at Cuyahoga Job and Family Services continues to work to make sure residents eligible for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other cash benefits, are getting the help they need during this time. Our service delivery methods have changed with most of our workforce working from home, but we remain ready to assist.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when child advocates across the country work to raise awareness of child abuse and the ways we can all prevent and stop it. Right now, that message is more important than ever. Children are more at risk for abuse and neglect amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Parents are a young child’s first and most important teachers. For the foreseeable future, many will be their child’s only teacher. Invest in Children, Cuyahoga County’s public/private partnership that mobilizes resources and research to promote the well-being of young children is aware that parents need support now more than ever. We have been working with our provider partners to adjust how that support is delivered. Here are some examples of recent changes and new resources -- with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

One of the most critical developments in the Coronavirus pandemic is the need to protect our older adults. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified older adults as being at risk for contracting a more serious version of COVID-19, most likely due to immune system changes and underlying health conditions.

The month of March is nationally recognized as Social Work Month, and that moniker seems particularly fitting in light of current affairs. Concern over coronavirus has closed schools, halted gatherings, and even shuttered churches, bars and restaurants. While many people are staying inside or working from home, hundreds of Cuyahoga County social service workers are still on the job, making sure clients and the community get the help they need in this time of crisis.

As we mark the beginning of Social Work Month, we reflect upon the thousands of passionate individuals who have dedicated their lives’ work to uplifting those in need. Through the years, social work has called these strong spirits to motivate people to live to their fullest potential. This month, we salute the contributions of social workers who have been shaping our society for the better for generations.

Cuyahoga County currently has more than 2,900 children in our care—more than we’ve had in years. Most will be in our custody temporarily while their parents or guardians work to resolve issues; some need a forever family. Whether temporary or permanent, each of these 2,900 children need a safe, stable, and loving place to call home. Finding those homes requires normal, everyday people deciding to make room in their hearts for a child who needs help.

At the start of a new year, one of the best resolutions we can all make is to take better care of ourselves. A good place to start is by checking up on our own mental wellness. Mental wellness is about more than just the absence of mental illness—it’s our ability to cope with the stresses of life in a way that allows us to stay productive and positive.

Canopy is a one-stop location where children and families impacted by child abuse can get a full range of services in a child-friendly and trauma-informed setting. Within its first year, Canopy has served over 722 children and their families who have been impacted by child abuse.

November marks National Adoption Month, a time to focus efforts on finding families for children who don’t have them. Across the U. S., more than 123,000 children are waiting for their forever families. Six-hundred of those children reside right here in Cuyahoga County.

Are you a family member caring for an older adult? Caring for our families is one of the most important jobs we will ever do. Oftentimes, caregivers may feel isolated or unsure of what to do to better care for their loved one. Approaching caregiving with a sense of curiosity can help break down those barriers and lead to better care.