Child and family support organizations report that many parents are overwhelmed with the financial and emotional stress of the COVID-19 emergency.

Maui Child Welfare Services encourages residents to call or text a parent today and ask how they’re doing.

If you or someone you know needs help – whether it’s about food, shelter, child care, parenting, elderly care, or physical and mental health care – call 2-1-1 to speak with Aloha United Way specialists. They can connect you with the resources you need.

You can call also text (877) 275-6569 or e-mail info211@auw.org.

It’s also very important to support keiki during these stressful times.

People required to report child abuse and neglect – such as doctors, police and social service workers – aren’t seeing the children at the moment.

During this COVID-19 emergency, children are at a higher risk of abuse and neglect than at other times.

For this reason, it’s more important than ever for our community to reach out to parents and let them know help is available.

Resources are available through The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui (mauicjc.org), Ho’oikaika Partnership (hooikaikapartnership.com) and Islands of Hope-Maui (islandsofhopemaui.org).

These organizations work together to prevent child abuse and neglect, as well as promote factors that increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for children and their families.

If you think parents or families are struggling, reach out and encourage them to seek help.