The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shelter-in-place orders can be an exceptionally scary time for those who are suffering from family violence and sexual abuse and do not feel safe in their own homes. It might feel like there is no safe place to go or no one to turn to.

Sexual harassment, assault and abuse do not end during a crisis, and local experts fear  cases may actually be getting worse due to stress and isolation caused by the pandemic    and stay-at-home orders, especially for children. In response, Napa County Sexual Assault Victim Services, the Napa County District Attorney’s Office, and the Napa County Courage Center would like to shed light on this issue, and provide some resources and services that are available to our greater Napa community.

The problem faced by many sexual assault survivors during this pandemic can be exacerbated for children who experience abuse. Isolated at home, they are often alone   with the people who abuse them and, with schools out of session for so long, are without access to friends, teachers or trusted adults in whom they could confide, thus decreasing the opportunity for victims to disclose abuse and access support. Under normal circumstances, these individuals might be able to spot the signs of sexual abuse, but now we are faced with a silent epidemic happening behind closed doors, hiding the true extent of sexual abuse and family violence in our community.

The Napa County District Attorney’s Office is among the essential workers in the community partnering with the Courage Center, the county’s Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to protect the younger residents of the county. The District Attorney’s Office has been open during the duration of the pandemic and throughout the shelter-in-place orders. The District Attorney’s Office remains committed to providing support and services to survivors of sexual abuse, especially during these trying times, and to prosecuting the perpetrators of these serious crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

The District Attorney’s Office also has our own division of experienced victim-witness advocates who are available to assist victims of child abuse, and provide further resources as well. They can be reached at (707) 299-1414.

For over a decade, the Courage Center has discreetly met with children and their families who have been subject to childhood sexual assault, physical assault, neglect and have   been witness to domestic violence. As the county’s CAC, the Courage Center works as a collective of professionals that range from victim advocates, child welfare services, nurse examiners, deputy district attorneys, mental health professionals and law enforcement to protect the children in our community.

During the pandemic, the Courage Center has also had to adjust to doing business following the new public health guidelines. Our county’s child sexual assault interviews have moved to using technology that is secure and confidential as a remote platform to maintain safe and proper physical distancing. Other measures such the use of personal protective equipment and continuous sanitization of our center are in place to reduce the number of new COVID-19 cases in the county.

We provide victims and their non-offending caregivers full support and guidance from the initial point of contact, through the required investigation, victim compensation, the judicial process, and ultimately the road to recovery through our mental health partners. We all are committed to making sure the community is aware that services are still accessible for child victims. Please feel free to reach out to the Courage Center at (707) 225-3802.

Furthermore, Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS), a program of NEWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services, continues to provide its services to all children and adult survivors and their loved ones during the time of COVID-19.

As a committed public partner, the health and safety of SAVS clients and staff is paramount, and the agency is following public health official's directions in regard to COVID-19. Despite moving to remote operations, SAVS staff remains available to provide free and confidential services to support those in need through telephone and technology platforms. This includes immediate emotional support, support during multi-disciplinary interviews, forensic medical examinations and assistance with protective orders.

Individuals who wish to speak with a sexual assault advocate about past or present sexual abuse or wish to make a report, can contact the NEWS helpline at 707-255-NEWS (6397). During this time of escalated stress and anxiety, NEWS' staff is available to the public 24 hours a day to provide compassionate trauma-informed care, help answer questions and coordinate any services that may be needed.

Finally, our Napa County law enforcement partners, the Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, Calistoga Police Department and St. Helena Police Department as well as Napa County Child Welfare Services, remain open and committed to investigating crimes of sexual abuse and serving victims and their families. If you know of, or suspect, a child in danger, please report child abuse and neglect to Child Welfare Services at (707) 253-4261 or 1-800-464-4216 (after hours); or in the case of emergency, to any law enforcement agency at 911.

Heather Bailie, Sexual Assault Victim Services

Sharon DeMarco, Napa Courage Center

Agnes Dziadur, Napa County District Attorney’s Office

Napa and Solano County residents feeling the emotional and mental toll of COVID-19 can get support from a special helpline and free drug treatment for teens in Napa County.

Through a disaster relief grant from Napa Valley Community Foundation funded by the Napa Valley Vintners, Aldea Children and Family Services has two new telehealth bilingual services to support children and families during this challenging time to receive mental health services from the safety of your home.

First, Napa and Solano County residents can get support from a special helpline.

Aldea Family Wellness support line, the agency’s bilingual behavioral health brief intervention, information and referral service, now offers help to parents and guardians who are dealing with their children’s anxiety and worry related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Napa and Solano County residents can call bilingual Spanish/English staff 707-543-1152 for free, confidential support.

Second, for Napa County youth and young adults ages 12-21, Aldea has transitioned its Substance Use Disorder prevention and treatment services to be virtual. Youth can receive support and treatment for drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse including individual and family services on a sliding scale. Call 707-255-1855 for an assessment.

“This is a very challenging time for so many of us,” said Kerry Ahearn, CEO of Aldea Children and Family Services. “We want to make sure that the residents of Napa and Solano County have a safe space to talk to someone about their worries and concerns.

Along with providing help for mental health issues related to COVID-19, Aldea Family Wellness support line will also continue to offer referrals to their drug and alcohol treatment, general mental health support and referrals to mental health services.

Media Contact: Sr. Director of Social Services & Development, Michele Farhat
Phone: 707-224-8266
Email: mfarhat@aldeainc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 3, 2020

NAPA, CA – Napa and Solano County residents feeling the emotional and mental toll of COVID-19 can get support from a special helpline and free drug treatment for teens in Napa County.

Through the generosity of a disaster relief grant from Napa Valley Community Foundation funded by the Napa Valley Vintners, we have two new telehealth bilingual services to support children and families during this challenging time to receive mental health services from the safety of your home.

First, Napa and Solano County residents can get support from a special helpline. Aldea Family Wellness support line, the agency’s bilingual behavioral health brief intervention, information and referral service, will now offer help to parents and guardians who are dealing with their children’s anxiety and worry related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Napa and Solano County residents can call bilingual Spanish/English staff 707-543-1152 for free, confidential support. Launching Saturday April 4, Aldea Family Wellness support line will be answered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week by live trained behavioral health workers. The staff answering calls may also provide community resources by linking callers to already existing local partners/businesses helping at this time (meals, rent/housing, library services, teaching/educational services).

Second, for Napa County youth and young adults ages 12-21, we have transitioned our Substance Use Disorder prevention and treatment services to be virtual. Youth can receive support and treatment for drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse including individual and family services on a sliding scale. Treatment works and during this time with kids’ home from school the help is needed even more. Call 707-255-1855 for an assessment.

For more COVID-19 guidance and information for individuals and, visit Aldea’s website: aldeainc.org/resources

“This is a very challenging time for so many of us,” said Kerry Ahearn, CEO of Aldea Children and Family Services. “We want to make sure that the residents of Napa and Solano County have a safe space to talk to someone about their worries and concerns.

“Talking to others and staying connected with friends and family can help reduce anxiety and make people feel more in control,” Senior Director of Behavioral Health, Julie Burns said. “The trained specialists answering these phones can help callers take care of their mental health during this difficult time.”

Along with providing help for mental health issues related to COVID-19, Aldea Family Wellness support line will also continue to offer referrals to their drug and alcohol treatment, general mental health support and referrals to mental health services. The staff answering calls may also provide community of resources by linking callers to already existing local partners/businesses helping at this (meals, rent/housing, library services, teaching/educational services) time.

For more COVID-19 guidance and information for individuals and, visit Aldea’s website: aldeainc.org/resources

About Aldea Children & Family Services: Aldea is the essential community partner for children and families in crisis. We believe that in a family’s most critical moments, the company of a trusted professional can mean the difference between strength and suffering.

Every day, our expert staff walks with young people on their journey to healing, providing the care that brings both short term comfort and long-term resilience. Because with a community of support, they discover their own ability to create a new life, one moment at a time. For more information please go to their website at aldeainc.org or call 707-224-8266.

En español

March 13, 2020

Dear Aldea family,

As the impact of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is being felt throughout the country, we wanted to take a moment to personally reach out to you.  The health and well-being of each and every one of you is of utmost importance to us, especially during this time of stress and uncertainty.  We are monitoring the situation closely and working with state and local agencies to determine the best course of action.  This is an evolving situation and we will provide you updates as quickly as possible if anything changes.

We encourage you to stay cautious but remain calm and to review the information below as we work together to keep all our Aldea family and community members safe and healthy:

MANAGING COVID-19 ANXIETY

• For kids: reassure them that they are safe and let them talk about their worries. Share your own coping skills and limit their news exposure.  Create daily routines.
• For parents: avoid excessive exposure to media coverage and be sure to seek out reliable information. Connect through calls/text/internet and focus on your mental health.  Add extra time for daily stress relief and practice self-care.
• For quarantine/isolation: keep in contact with your loved ones via social medial, texts and phone calls. Keep yourself busy with games, books, and movies.  Focus on new relaxation techniques and a self-care routine.

FACE-TO-FACE VISITS

• At this time, we are planning for Aldea staff to coordinate directly with their clients to provide remote or community-based services based on what works best for the client. We will plan to take this approach for the next two weeks and tentatively resume clinic work March 30^th.  Our offices will be closed to the public until this time, or until we provide updated information to you.

VIDEO AND TELEPHONE SESSIONS

• Although Aldea staff will currently be offering face-to-face visits, we are also able to provide the option of telephone and video sessions if necessary. Please work with your Aldea worker or therapist in advance to discuss logistics such as testing out video capabilities, creating a private space in the home for clients to speak with their Aldea worker or therapist, etc. 

SYMPTOMS

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you call your doctor if you:

• Develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

SIGNS OF ILLNESS

• Clients: Clients experiencing cold, flu, or COVID-19 virus symptoms should consult with their medical provider for guidance. To reduce the risk to others, it is wise to practice “social distance” until you are symptom free.  We are happy to provide service via phone or video call until you are well.
• Resource Families: We are advising all resource families to immediately work with their Aldea worker to report any illness or signs of Coronavirus during this time. We will quickly work with you and provide the support you need to address the situation on a case-by-case basis.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, call ahead to your doctor before seeking medical treatment at a clinic or hospital.

MORE INFORMATION

We have attached a document that includes information on how to talk to your children and family regarding this situation in a safe and sensitive manner (both in English and Spanish).  In addition, we recommend visiting the CDC website to learn more about Coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. 

As we work together to reduce community transmission of the virus, we will continue to take certain precautions and keep everyone updated so we can protect our staff, clients, resource parents, families, and children in our care. Again, we encourage you to remain educated while managing anxiety around these uncertain times, to be cautious, and have a positive outlook – this will pass! 

Should you have questions, please contact us at info@aldeainc.org or reach out to your Aldea worker or therapist.

With lots and warm and well wishes,

Kerry Ahearn, LCSW
Chief Executive Officer

In English

Querida familia Aldea:  

Como el impacto del COVID-19 (nuevo coronavirus) se está sintiendo en todo el país, queríamos tomar un momento para comunicarnos personalmente con usted. La salud y el bienestar de todos y cada uno de ustedes es de suma importancia para nosotros, especialmente durante este momento de estrés e incertidumbre. Estamos monitoreando la situación de cerca y trabajando con agencias estatales y locales para determinar el mejor curso de acción. Esta es una situación cambiante y le daremos noticias lo más rápido posible si algo cambia.  

Le recomendamos que sea precavido pero que mantenga la calma y que revise la información a continuación mientras trabajamos juntos para mantener a todos nuestros miembros de la familia y la comunidad de Aldea seguros y saludables: 

MANEJANDO LA ANSIEDAD DE COVID-19

• Para los niños: asegúreles que están bien y deje que les hablen sobre sus preocupaciones. Comparta sus propias habilidades para manejar su ansiedad y resolver crisis y limite su exposición a las noticias. Intenten crear rutinas diarias.
• Para los padres: evite la exposición excesiva a la cobertura de los medios y asegúrense de buscar información confiable. Conéctense a través de llamadas/mensajes de texto/internet y enfóquense en su salud mental. Agregue tiempo extra diario para el alivio del estrés y practique el autocuidado.
• Para cuarentena/aislamiento: manténgase en contacto con sus seres queridos a través de medios sociales, mensajes de texto y llamadas telefónicas. Manténgase ocupado con juegos, libros y películas. Concéntrese en nuevas técnicas de relajación y una rutina de autocuidado.

VISITAS DE CARA A CARA

• En este momento, tenemos planeado que el personal de Aldea coordine directamente con sus clientes para proveer servicios remotamente o en la comunidad basados en lo funciona mejor para los clientes. Planearemos tomar esta estrategia para las próximas dos semanas y provisionalmente resumir el trabajo de la clínica el 30 de marzo. Nuestras oficinas estarán cerradas al público hasta este momento, o hasta que le demos información actualizada.

SESIONES POR TELÉFONO Y VIDEO

• Aunque el personal de Aldea ofrecerá visitas cara a cara, también podemos ofrecer la opción de sesiones telefónicas y de video si es necesario. Trabaje con su trabajador o terapeuta de Aldea con anticipación para hablar sobre las logísticas como probar las capacidades de video, crear un espacio privado en el hogar para que los clientes hablen con su trabajador o terapeuta de Aldea, etc.

SINTOMAS

Los siguientes síntomas podrán aparecer 2-14 días después de ser expuestos al virus.

• Fiebre
• Toz
• Falta de aire

Los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades (CDC) recomiendan que llame a su médico si:

• Desarrolla síntomas y si ha estado en contacto con una persona con COVID-19 o si ha viajado recientemente de un área con contagio del COVID-19.

SEÑALES DE ENFERMEDAD

• Clientes: los clientes que tienen síntomas de resfriado, gripe o virus COVID-19 deben consultar con su proveedor médico para obtener dirección. Para reducir el riesgo para los demás, solicitamos que los clientes no ingresen a la clínica de Aldea hasta que estén libres de síntomas. Nos complace brindarle servicio por teléfono o videollamada hasta que esté bien.
• Familias de recursos: Recomendamos a todas las familias de recursos que trabajen de inmediato con su trabajador de Aldea para informar cualquier enfermedad o signos de Coronavirus durante este tiempo. Trabajaremos rápidamente con usted y le brindaremos el apoyo que necesita para abordar la situación caso por caso.

Si tiene síntomas de enfermedad, llame a su médico antes de buscar tratamiento médico en una clínica u hospital.

MÁS INFORMACIÓN

Hemos adjuntado un documento que incluye información sobre como hablar con sus hijos y familia sobre la situación en una manera segura y sensible (en inglés y español). Adicionalmente, recomendamos visitar la página del CDC para aprender más sobre el coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.   

Mientras trabajamos juntos para reduces la transmisión del virus en la comunidad, continuaremos a tomar precauciones y mantendremos a todos informados para proteger a nuestro personal, clientes, familias de recursos, familias, y niños bajo nuestro cuidado. De nuevo, le aconsejamos que se mantenga educado mientras maneja la ansiedad alrededor de estos tiempos de incertidumbre, tengan precaución y una perspectiva positiva – ¡esto pasara!

Si tiene preguntas, por favor contáctenos por correo electrónico a info@aldeainc.org o contacte a su trabajador de Aldea o terapeuta.

Atentamente,

,

Kerry Ahearn, LCSW
Chief Executive Officer