Claudia Boyd-Barrett

Families share experiences of living through the pandemic and what help they still need.

Like thousands of parents across California and beyond who are caring for children with physical, behavioral and developmental conditions, the Ansaris rely on a small army of teachers, therapists, nurses and other caregivers to get through the week.

“We kind of got stuck in limbo,” said Melissa Alcala, whose son has a rare genetic disorder.

Research shows home visiting programs can help prevent child abuse and neglect, improve school readiness, increase the physical and mental wellbeing of moms and kids.

Amid pandemic, young kids with special needs missing out on services 
For Survivors of Violen

Domestic violence, the leading cause of homelessness among women and children, is increasing during the pandemic.

“Access varies quite dramatically depending on where you are,” said Kim Lewis of the National Health Law Program. “There isn’t a lot being done to ensure accountability in each county.”

This article was produced as a project for the 2017 California Data Fellowship, a program of the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism.