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CARE during COVID
CARE DURING COVID-19: Child Abuse Prevention Resource Highlights During COVID-19

Child Abuse Referral and Evaluation Program (CARE)

Child Abuse Referral and Evaluation Program (CARE)
McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center
601 East Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
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Phone: 315 883-5617
Fax: 315 883-5616

The Child Abuse Referral and Evaluation team offers medical evaluations for children and adolescents who are suspected of being abused. Our clinic is located at the McMahonRyan Child Advocacy Center and is part of the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital Department of Pediatrics.

Covid 19 contentWe are concerned for children and teenagers who may not be in safe environments and need support during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage children, teens, and adults to use local resources and to reach out for help. Some important numbers are listed below. CARE has developed these tips in conjunction with Upstate’s Safe Kids Coalition.

  • To contact the CARE Program: 315 883-5617 
  • For more information on Child Abuse resources in our county, call 315 701-2985, or see visit the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center website. 
  • For mental health assistance, emotional  support,  and to connect with important local resources, call 211 in Central New York, or visit 211cny.com
  • For information on the Safe Kids Upstate New York Coalition and injury prevention tips, visit Safe Kids on this website.
young girl: myth about child abuse

Child Abuse Hotline

If you suspect child abuse, call the NYS Hotline to report and to get help:  800 342-3720

Helpful Links

Tips During COVID-19

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Tips for Parents

Tips for Neighbors

  • Small acts of support such as food, toilet paper, coloring books or just an empathetic ear will help to ease parents’ stress
  • Make use of technology for virtual check-ins  
  • Remember that social distancing doesn’t have to mean emotional distancing.
  • Report concerns to child protective services: 800 342-3720

Tips for Community and Teachers

  • Community organizers, faith-based leaders and elected officials may coordinate with mental health clinicians, social workers and counselors to conduct virtual check-ins with families.
  • Form parent groups to conduct remote learning for children under 5 (highest risk for abuse).  
  • Work with recovery groups to provide online and video support. 
  • Use social media to distribute help line numbers and to send the message to children that they aren’t alone.
  • Remember to take care of  yourself

Tips for Primary care child health providers (pediatricians, family practitioners)

  • As part of virtual visits, routinely ask families how they are doing and offer help.
  • Share information on parent support, domestic violence, suicide hotlines; follow up by phone to see whether parents have questions. 
  • Utilize the American Academy of Pediatrics tip sheet for parents dealing with the stresses of the coronavirus crisis or other AAP resources, AAP Resources
  • Use these free positive Parenting materials

Resources During COVID-19

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