Deirdre’s House the center for Morris County Child Victims
During this time of social distancing and family stress due to Covid19, officials at Deirdre’s House, the Center for Morris County’s child victims of abuse and/or neglect and for children that have witnessed violence, are continuing to provide services to child victims and their non-offending caregivers.
Deirdre’s House and its staff of five clinical counselors and two child advocates have provided clinical counseling to more than 70 child victims by using Zoom Telehealth. They also have offered crisis food assistance to child victims who face economic challenges due to their family’s loss of income. In addition, Deirdre’s House also is being used by law enforcement for on-site forensic interviews of children in a child-friendly setting that does not further traumatize the child victim.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected during this COVID-19 crisis please call the NJ DCPP a t 1-877-NJ-Abuse or your local law enforcement.
Deirdre’s House Executive Director Maria Vinci Savettiere says that due to the shelter in place orders children do not have access to the trusted adults who they most often go to for help—teachers, counselors, school staff, coaches, and family friends.
She says that “Due to the isolation of the pandemic that thousands of children who have been the victims of sexual assault, physical or emotional abuse may be suffering in silence.”
Deirdre’s House is calling upon members of the community to help by reaching out to families with children to lend a supportive ear and offer help if needed.
Teachers, school nurses and counselors are the first line of defense when reporting child abuse and/or neglect. During Covid19 remote learning, their help is especially critical, according to Savettiere. Deirdre’s House is providing tools to teachers and school staff through the Morris County Education Collaboration. They also are posting the information at deirdreshouse.org to help them identify children who may be in distress.
Learn more about Deirdre’s House at deirdreshouse.org and watch a video about Deirdre’s House, and/or call 973-631-5000.
