Resources and Information on COVID-19

 TNOYS has compiled guidance, resources, and information to support youth service providers in responding to COVID-19. We are in regular and close communication with state leadership, as well as state and federal regulatory agencies relevant to youth services, and we will continue to update this resource center as appropriate.

Please navigate to resources based on the following topics:

TNOYS Guidance and Resources

Guidance for Providers and Feedback for Regulatory Agencies

TNOYS’ Guidance for Providers details considerations, resources, and operational procedures to support providers in developing emergency response plans and implementing recommended public health protocols.

TNOYS has published blog posts on the following topics that may be of interest to service providers:

This document provides an update on the challenges that youth-serving providers are facing in light of COVID-19, TNOYS’ response, and needed support from regulatory agencies, leadership, and philanthropy.

Local Health and Emergency Officials

Because many decisions are being made at the local level, TNOYS recommends that service providers stay in regular contact with local health officials and local emergency operations centers to receive updates that may impact their services and guidance on responding to health concerns locally.

Updates and Guidance from State Regulatory Agencies

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has a Coronavirus Resources webpage with information and resources for parents, caregivers, and child welfare service providers. The webpage includes specific guidance on what to do if you feel sick, working with the public, and preparing households, as well as FAQs and updates on Texas efforts.

DFPS continues to release guidance and updates for providers and agency staff:

  • Tips for Residential Caregivers from Child Protective Services (link)
  • Protocols for Family Based Safety Services and Family Reunification (link)
  • Maintaining Family Connections Virtually: Tips and Resources (link)
  • FAQ for Virtual Visitation (link)
  • Tips for Caregivers from Child Protective Services (link)
  • Tracking COVID-19 Expenses (link)

Guidance and Announcements from DFPS:

The CANS 2.0 Assessment used by DFPS is now available via telehealth for all children and youth ages 3 to 17 in conservatorship. To get telehealth CANS 2.0, call Mosaic (within Pathways Youth and Family Services). If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact STAR Health Member Services at 866-912-6283.

Regional Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Coordinators may be able to assist transitional age youth with PAL requirement waivers, as well as help transitional age youth and youth who have aged out of care access other supports and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 may create additional stressors for youth and families, increasing the risk for abuse and neglect. Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) programs provide additional supports, including counseling, to families. Locate PEI programs in your county on the DFPS website.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS)

In response to many questions and concerns regarding variances to Residential Child Care Licensing (RCCL), HHSC has issued this guidance letter. RCCL has provided guidance that variances CANNOT be requested regarding staff background checks but can be requested for ratio requirements, Face to Face visits for CPA’s, CPR/First Aid, Medical and Dental Visits, and EBI Training. Request variances through your Child Care Licensing Account.

HHS launched a statewide COVID-19 mental health support line to provide 24/7 support to Texans experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 833-986-1919.

Texas Department of State Health Services

This COVID-19 webpage provides up to date information on the virus, including what to do if you’re sick, testing information, prevention tips, and a case tracking dashboard that is updated daily. The information for Communities & Other Groups links directly to CDC guidance for work, schools, events, community and faith-based organizations, community mitigation strategies, high-risk individuals, pregnant women & children, homeless shelters, and mental health. For local assistance, please visit DSHS Local Health Entities, which provides contact information for COVID-19 assistance by county. Follow @DSHS on social media for real-time updates.

This interactive COVID-19 testing map shows all the locations in Texas where you can get a COVID-19 test, including contact information, type of testing offered, and similar information.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

TEA’s COVID-19 Support and Guidance provides information and resources on education, nutrition, and similar topics related to children and schools. Sections of note for youth service providers include:

TEA continues to release guidance and resources for providers, students, and families. Check back regularly for updates. Please email disasterinfo@tea.texas.gov if you have specific resource requests.

In light of Texas schools starting again this fall, TEA is releasing guidance and updates for safely re-opening schools.

School Meal Finder and Meals to You show where families can access free meals. This nationwide waiver allows parents and guardians to pick up meals for children.

Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY)

This resource page provides resources to support students experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. Resources include:

Office of the Texas Governor’s Child Sex Trafficking Team

The Office of the Texas Governor’s CST Team is working with TNOYS to get supplies out to organizations serving youth who have been trafficked or are at risk of being trafficked. If your organization is serving, or has the capacity to serve, this population, please contact TNOYS for more information on how you may be able to access these supplies.

The CST Team is also partnering with 3Strands Global Foundation to offer PROTECT Texas © to providers free of charge to assist in training staff and providing at-risk youth with prevention education. PROTECT Texas © is a human trafficking prevention education and training program designed to reduce the vulnerability of exploitation by identifying and preventing human trafficking using an evidence-based, trauma-informed education curriculum. Visit https://protectnow.org/ to learn more.

Texas Children’s Commission

The Texas Children’s Commission developed a webpage to share COVID-19 resources related to child protective service cases, including court orders by county. Resource letters compile key resources and updates for attorneys, judges, and similar child welfare stakeholders.

Updates and Guidance from Federal Agencies

Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a series of guidance documents on how to prepare for, and respond to, COVID-19. Their website includes resources, updates on travel, latest cases, FAQs, what to do if you are sick or at higher risk, and more. The CDC provides guidance and information for specific communities, including information relevant for service providers, working with children and youth, and residential facilities.

Their information for Schools, Workplaces, & Community Locations includes a number of critical resources curated for specific settings and provider types. Guidance that may be relevant to youth service providers include Community- and Faith-Based Organizations, Homeless Populations; Schools and Childcare Programs, Correctional and Detention Facilities, and Businesses and Workplaces. Additionally, the CDC has specific pages for Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes and Shared and Congregate Housing which provide valuable information for residential facilities. CDC regularly releases new information and guidance, such as guidance for homeless service providers, guidance in correctional and detention facilities, and strategies to optimize the supply of PPE, so check back regularly for new information.

On September 4, the CDC issued a temporary halt in residential evictions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, effective September 4 through December 31, 2020.

 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD’s COVID-19 Resources webpage provides specialized guidance, funding opportunities, and unique considerations for programs serving homeless populations. The Disease Risks and Homelessness page includes guidance on planning, preparedness, and operations; access to resources and webinars concerning COVID-19; and information on funding opportunities and available waivers.

  • HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) hosts weekly office hours to discuss COVID-19 planning and response. Learn more and join here.
  • The COVID-19 Daily Resource Digest is a comprehensive list of new and existing resources from HUD’s SNAPS Programs and their federal, state, and local partners. SNAPS shares daily updates to highlight new resources targeted to homeless providers.

HUD provides detailed directions for accessing and using HUD dollars to respond to COVID-19 in your organization or community. Additionally, HUD released Homeless Assistance Waivers the first week of April.

Supporting Youth and Young Adults:

  • COVID-19 Response Strategy: Rehousing Youth and Young Adults
  • Foster Youth to Independence Tenant Protection Vouchers are new Housing Choice Vouchers available to assist eligible youth with housing for a period of 36 months. Learn more about requirements and how to apply here. Read the full notice here, and find additional information here.
  • HUD awarded over $24 million to help children in foster care.
Administration for Children and Families, Family & Youth Services Bureau (ACF, FYSB)

The Family & Youth Services Bureau National Clearinghouse on Homeless Youth and Families regularly updates its guidance in addressing COVID-19. Additionally, the Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHYTTAC) created an online resource center  for Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) grantees. Useful resources include:

U.S. Department of Education

COVID-19 Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel provides guidance, resources, fact sheets, and important information on funding and waivers for schools, higher education institutions, and students and their caregivers. Notable resources:

You can also find important information on federal funds available to support students during the educational disruptions caused by COVID-19.

  • Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund: Part of this grant will go towards emergency financial aid grants to help students with unexpected expenses related to the pandemic. The grant also includes funding to help institutions of higher education adjust to changes caused by the pandemic.
  • Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund: The application specifically asks states to describe how they will use the grant to serve disadvantaged populations, including students experiencing homelessness, students in foster care, English-learners, racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income students. The allocation table lists the amount each state will receive.
  • Education Stabilization Fund
  • Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund: On April 23, Secretary DeVos announced that more than $13.2 billion are available to support continued education for K-12 students. Education leaders have the flexibility to use these funds for immediate needs, such as tools for distance education, ensuring student health and safety, and developing and implementing plans for the next school year. Read the full announcement to learn more.
Small Business Administration (SBA)

Legislation at the Federal level has been passed to provide funding supports for small businesses and non-profits to weather the current economic crisis.  There are two types of loans available: Paycheck Protection Program and an expansion of the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program. Due to response to Covid-19, the EIDLs have been made easier to apply for, and the application is open to more small business.  If following guidelines EIDL loans can be forgiven, effectively making them grants.  Organizations can receive up to $10,000 advance within 3 days of application.  The advance, whether a loan is approved or not, does not need to be paid back.  You may apply on the SBA website.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response page provides resources and guidance for individuals, organizations, and governments. You can also visit this page to learn more about what FEMA is doing to distribute medical supplies, manage the national response efforts, and coordinate with international, state, and local entities.

In May and June 2020, FEMA released two important documents that provide detailed guidance and considerations for emergency response planning and the preparing for the upcoming hurricane season amidst a pandemic.

The best practices page provides guidance on policies, resources, and operations. Fact sheets provide guidance and information on FEMA assistance, such as FEMA’s Public Assistant Program, support for non-congregate sheltering (and FAQ’s), and access to supplies and services.

  • COVID-19 Resource Roadmaps help service providers, state leaders, and disaster recovery stakeholders navigate challenges and available resources associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there is an overview as well as specific roadmaps for education and food and nutrition, and FEMA will release roadmaps for Healthcare and Housing and Economic Development soon.
  • COVID-19 Resource Summary Report compiles all available federal resources for COVID-19 recovery, including funding sources and specific focus areas.

To learn about local coordination, see FEMA Region VI, which supports Texas in emergency response. Locate State Hazard Mitigation Officers by state to learn more about accessing Hazard Mitigation Assistance sub-grants.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The Trump Administration recently released new tools to accelerate relief for state Medicaid and CHIP programs. CMS developed four tools that will improve states’ abilities to serve vulnerable populations and support health care providers impacted by COVID-19.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA’s COVID-19 webpage provides information on accessing food and nutrition in your community. Notable resources include the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, the Meal Finder for children, and their Federal Rural Resource Guide.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

This resource center provides guidance, examples, and free webinars for homelessness service providers in COVID-19 planning and response, including funding, community examples, and using technology.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA provides resources and guidance for mental health professionals, such as Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19; Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation; and a Disaster Planning Handbook for Behavioral Health Treatment Programs.

Office on Trafficking in Persons, Administration for Children & Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The Office in Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) provides COVID-19 resources, services, and supports for serving children and adults who have experienced trafficking. The following benefits and services supported by OTIP continue to operate normally: National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888 or text 233733), Domestic Victims of Human Trafficking Program, Trafficking Victim Assistance Program (1-800-307-4712), and Eligibility Letters for Foreign National Adult and Minor Victims of Trafficking. Details on these services can be found on OTIP’s COVID-19 webpage.

Resources on Organizational Leadership

National Guidance on Emergency Homeless Services for Youth and Young Adults 

A Way Home America, National Innovation Service, True Colors United: National Youth Forum on Homelessness, Youth Collaboratory, and Funders Together to End Homelessness partnered to develop guidance to local communities toward the goal of ensuring youth and young adults are not left out of the resource conversations surrounding COVID-19.

Getting to Yes: Working with FEMA to Fund Non-Congregate Shelter During COVID-19

National Low-Income Housing Coalition published guidance on establishing statewide plans for FEMA-reimbursable non-congregate sheltering amidst the pandemic. It includes step-by-step recommendations for priming your community to make the most of this opportunity to serve vulnerable populations.

The Experience of Foster Youth During COVID-19

The Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice, and Research at the University of Pennsylvania released preliminary results from a survey of youth aged 18-23 who are in or recently aged out of foster care on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Past Events: Recordings, Slides, and Takeaways

April Virtual Meetings on COVID-19 Response Efforts
Source: Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS)

Over the past two months, TNOYS has hosted calls for service providers for peer-to-peer information sharing and learning on how others have transitioned their work to support youth and families. The calls have included updates and new guidance from state agency officials, as necessary, but the intention was to use the majority of the time for providers on the ground to share and ask each other questions, as well as to inform how TNOYS staff will continue to support youth-service providers. Take a look at notes from our first four calls here.

Weekly Virtual Office Hours: Serving Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Source: National Network for Youth, National Safe Place Network, and National Runaway Safeline

Watch recorded virtual office hours from past weeks.

  • Tuesday, August 18: Preparing for the Upcoming Flu Season Amidst the Coronavirus. Watch recording and access slides.
  • Wednesday, March 25: Delivering Street Outreach and Drop-In Center services during a shelter-in-place order. Watch recording.
  • Wednesday, April 1: Stipend and additional pay for front line staff. Watch recording.
  • Wednesday, April 8: Licensing and engaging with youth people (Part One). Watch recording.
  • Wednesday, April 15: Self-care, FEMA, and engaging with young people (Part Two). Watch recording.
  • Wednesday, April 22: Self-care for frontline workers. Watch recording.
  • Wednesday, April 29: Challenges, tribulations, and triumphs from the front lines. Watch recording.
  • Wednesday, May 6. COVID-19 Federal Partners Webinar. Watch recording.
RHY COVID-19 FAQs Listening Session
Source: Administration for Children and Families, Family & Youth Services Bureau (ACF, FYSB)

FYSB recently hosted a listening session for FYSB-funded Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Programs to review and discuss the RHY COVID-19 FAQs.

Biweekly Virtual Conversation with SHC on COVID-19: Questions, Strategies, Information

Source: SchoolHouse Connection

SchoolHouse Connection hosts regular webinars on COVID-19 and children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. Find and register for upcoming webinars here.

COVID-19 Webinar Series
Source: National Alliance to End Homelessness

The National Alliance to End Homelessness has hosted webinars covering topics such as understanding and planning for federal funding,  protocols for addressing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness, and more. Watch recordings and download content and takeaways from past webinars here.

HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) Webinars and Office Hours
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s SNAPS Programs

HUD’s SNAPS Programs invites homeless assistance providers to participate in regular webinars and Office Hours to discuss COVID-19 planning and response. View recordings and slides from past webinars and office hours here.

Center for School Behavioral Health Webinar Series
Source: Mental Health America of Greater Houston

Mental Health America of Greater Houston provides great training content and webinars related to COVID-19, student mental health, and self-care. Access the webinars here.

COVID-19 and Texas Homeless Education
Source: Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY)

Watch past webinars on topics related to serving students experiencing homelessness amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.