Child Saving Institute Continues Supporting Families Through Telecommunications

As the community, state, and nation face uncertainty due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Child Saving Institute (CSI; www.childsaving.org) continues services to those who need it most. To ensure continuity of care for its clients, CSI has shifted to telecommunications to deliver services virtually when face-to-face interaction is not appropriate or feasible. Children and families continue to receive mental health, foster care, and prevention services.

“Continuing to provide mental health services during this time is critical,” said Peg Harriott, Child Saving Institute’s president and CEO. “We know that the current situation creates additional stress and anxiety for many families. Oftentimes, this trickles down to children. It’s imperative that children and youth have the ability to receive mental health services despite what we are facing.”

Another challenge the Omaha community faces is a lack of foster parents. To address this critical concern, CSI will continue to host upcoming foster parent orientations in a different manner. The next orientation scheduled for May 4 at 6 p.m. will be done in a virtual setting.

“The need for foster parents locally, and across our state, is vital—right now and in the future. We must continue to bring awareness and work to engage those interested even at times like these,” Harriott added.

Anyone interested in attending an upcoming foster parent orientation must contact Joan Cooper at (402) 504-3649 or jcooper@childsaving.org to RSVP. CSI is also currently accepting new therapy clients. Appointments can be made by calling (402) 553-6000. The organization is able to accommodate Spanish-speaking clients for mental health services.

Child Saving Institute is dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. For 128 years, CSI has been “Responding to the cry of a child” and meeting the changing needs of metro area children. CSI served more than 2,800 children and families in 2019. To learn more about how you can support children and families during this time, visit www.childsaving.org or contact Chief Development Officer Andrea L. Richardson at arichardson@childsaving.org or (402) 554-3660.