By Mary O’KEEFE

Stress surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt in a variety of ways including a concern by some parents that if they test positive for COVID-19 their children will be taken from them. This is not true.

“We have heard of that rumor and we want to dispel the notion,” said Bobby Cagle, Los Angeles County Dept. of Children and Family Services.

He added if a parent or guardian has tested positive for COVID-19 and needs assistance to keep their child or children safe, DCFS will make arrangements to care for the child. They do not automatically take the child away from the parent. DCFS is only there to assist if contacted.

There are several resources offered to parents by community-based providers that can help parents and/or guardians without DCFS ever getting involved.

“If both parents have COVID-19 and are very ill and [parents] can’t find anyone to step in then maybe a health care provider can step in,” Cagle added.

Cagle advises parents and/or guardians to have a plan in place in case they do get sick and need someone to help with their children.

“It is unfortunate,” Cagle said of the rumor that has inspired fear in parents and guardians of losing custody of their children. “Especially in today’s political climate a lot of families feel if they come forward for assistance they will be penalized.”

There has been outreach to let parents know they are safe to come to DCFS for help and support.

“Having [worked in] child welfare for 31 years there is this aura around child services that engenders fear,” Cagle said. He added he hopes that during his tenure in LA County he can develop relationships with people that can change that perception.

The agency had a series of community engagements scheduled to put a name to the face of the organization, to get more involved with local communities and to share resources with people. That was all prior to COVID-19, which severely limited any outreach.

Cagle said he understands that the pandemic has affected communities.

“We recognize that the community is in a very stressful time right now,” he said. “My charge is to take an extra measure of grace.”

For more information on DCFS visit dcfs.lacounty.gov. The child protection hotline is (800) 540-4000.

  Mary Okeefe