Children often come to the attention of child welfare because their family struggles with a toxic mix of mental health difficulties, family violence, intergenerational trauma and racism, food and housing insecurity, and economic marginalization.

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As a result of COVID-19, families are facing greater challenges that may have an enduring negative impact on children and youth. First Nations, Inuit and Métis families, Black and racialized families, LGBTQ2S+ young people, and families that include children with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

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With the generous support of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Child Welfare League of Canada has partnered with the Canadian Consortium on Child and Youth Trauma and the Canadian Foster Family Association to promote trauma-informed responses to child maltreatment that encourage social inclusion, and connections to family, community and culture, mental health and child safety.

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The Strength of Families and Connection project aims to strengthen the capacity of child welfare workers, service providers and alternative caregivers to effectively prevent and respond to the needs of children and families in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it will:

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• deepen understanding of the factors that might exacerbate and/or mitigate the impact of the pandemic for populations that are already overrepresented in child welfare; and

• increase access to trauma-informed and culturally relevant responses that promote social inclusion, connections to family, community and culture, mental health and child safety.

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The project is bringing together researchers, front line partners, experts and young people with child welfare experience to review, develop and disseminate guidance and learning opportunities that will help workers support children and families and better position them to thrive in difficult times.