The COVID-19 pandemic is having a tremendous impact on children, youth, and families in Washington State and around the world.
The stressors on families and the needs of young people struggling with homelessness, family conflict, court, schools, and navigating the child welfare system are heightened.
LCYC IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUING CRITICAL, DIRECT, LEGAL SERVICES TO YOUNG PEOPLE
Our staff in King and Walla Walla Counties are working hard to continue serving youth, while also juggling the challenges that every Washingtonian is facing (lack of childcare, monitoring physical and emotional well-being).
In response to COVID-19, we have made some adaptations to our service delivery model:
LCYC created resource sites for King and Walla Walla Counties with critical legal and nonlegal resources online
LCYC is now accepting self-referrals from youth by text, (206) 494-0323
LCYC is conducting the majority of our meetings with youth and partners virtually
Onsite intake hours have shifted from in-person to virtual by phone or video conferencing.
Young people and service providers can complete online referral forms. Please see our Youth Homelessness Program (King and Walla Walla) for access to the forms.
LCYC’s commitment to collaboration and continual learning will help us support young people, staff, and partners through this rapidly changing time.
LCYC IS DIVING IN ON SYSTEMIC POLICY ISSUES THAT COVID-19 IS ELEVATING
LCYC has been asked by advocacy partners to inform and sign off on many community letters and proposed court orders on issues that impact children, youth, and families, such as access to the courts to address critical family rights and child safety, the dismissal of truancy cases, review of sentencing for juveniles who are currently incarcerated, preservation of family visitation, and coordinated efforts to better support persons experiencing homelessness during this health crisis.
LCYC’s Deputy Director, Erin Shea McCann, leads our systemic advocacy work in close collaboration with other LCYC staff and partners such as TeamChild, The Mockingbird Society, and King County Department of Public Defense.