The Alameda County Foster Care Program remains dedicated to providing essential services for foster care and extended foster care recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the importance of child welfare, our Child Welfare Workers are committed to ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of children in foster care while adhering to public health guidelines.
To prioritize safety, Child Welfare Workers conduct pre-screening telephone calls before monthly in-person visits. These calls involve a few yes/no questions regarding potential COVID-19 exposure within the household. Specifically, families will be asked about recent positive COVID-19 tests, symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, and close contact with confirmed cases. Answering these questions honestly helps the Alameda County Foster Care Program tailor services appropriately and protect everyone involved.
If a “yes” answer is given to any pre-screening question, families are advised to contact their healthcare provider. In such instances, Child Welfare Workers will adjust visit plans to meet the objectives of the contact while safeguarding the child’s health and wellbeing. This may involve alternative methods of communication or rescheduling in-person meetings.
When in-person visits are deemed necessary, Alameda County Child Welfare Workers are equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and strictly practice social distancing. Foster parents and caregivers are also requested to wear face coverings and maintain safe social distancing during these interactions. These measures are crucial to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission and maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Please note that to further prevent the spread of COVID-19, the public lobbies at 675 Hegenberger, Oakland, and 24100 Amador, Hayward, are temporarily closed. However, the lobby at 1111 Jackson St., Oakland, is open for appointment only for specific family visits and LiveScan fingerprinting services. Face coverings are mandatory for entry to this building. Furthermore, Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings will be conducted via Conference Call until further notice.
