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3 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,M ay 7,2020 insidehalton.com "How can we grieve together and still be safe?" We're here with the answers you need. The need to say goodbye hasn't changed, even if normal life has. Many families now choose a small gathering for safe social distancing, and live-stream the event to loved ones in the safety of their homes. Others hold a simple service now, and pre-plan a personalized memorial celebration for the day when everyone can be together at last. For information, our dedicated professionals are available for consultation by phone, online, or in person with safety measures in place. Visit glenoaks.ca or call 289-815-1134 GlenOaks Funeral Home&Cemetery byArborMemorial 3164 Ninth Line, Oakville, ON ArborMemorial Inc. omhs.ca Board of Directors Recruitment As a registered charity, the Oakville & Milton Humane Society ("OMHS") relies on the support of the community to care for, shelter and find loving forever homes for homeless and forgotten pets; to respond to sick or injured wildlife; to enforce animal control bylaws within Oakville; to support families with emergency boarding of an animal due to domestic violence, hospitalization of a pet owner or unexpected loss of personal shelter; to build a more humane society through humane education; and, act as a resource to the community in strengthening the human/animal bond. Our Board of Directors possess an interest in animal welfare and provide the strategic direction, resources, and high-level oversight for the organization to be successful in achieving its vision and mission. They play a vital role in shaping the Society's future. We are currently seeking individuals with experience in Capital Campaigns, Human Resources and Governance, who wish to use their expertise in making a difference in the Oakville & Milton communitites. Ideal Candidates Have: • Senior management and governance experience. • Strategy and policy development experience. • Previous profit or not for profit board or committee experience. • Strong ties to the Oakville andMilton communities. • Willing to be an ambassador or advocate of the organization to assist in raising profile and funds. • A strategic and open mindset coupled with a sense of urgency to get things done. • Team player with ability to participate and contribute in a variety of different initiatives. Board members are appointed for a three-year term and are eligible to be reappointed for a second term. Our Board of Directors is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment where all members feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome and encourage applications that reflect the diversity of the communities in which we live and serve. For more information regarding the OMHS, please refer to omhs.ca. If you wish to apply to serve on the Board of Directors, please send a cover letter and resume to nominations@omhs.ca. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment/interview process, please advise in advance, and we will work with you to meet your needs. Halton police say they re- sponded to 73 per cent fewer suspected cases of child abuse in April, but that is not necessarily a good thing. The Halton Regional Po- lice Service's Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit and the Halton Children's Aid Society (CAS) issued a joint press release recently, urging residents to remain vigilant in reporting sus- pected child abuse. They said they fear the reported cases are down, not because there is less child abuse or neglect, but because the coronavirus cri- sis is requiring people to stay in their homes where the abuse cannot be easily seen. "We normally receive concerns from schools, friends, other parents,friends, other parents,f coaches and daycare provid- ers," said Det. Sgt. Crystal Kelly, Halton police.Kelly, Halton police.K "With social distancing measures in place and in- creased stress on families, there is little opportunity for children to interact withfor children to interact withf or reach out to those they trust." As of April 23, Halton po- lice say they responded to eight calls in April 2020 re- garding suspected child abuse, compared to 30 calls during the same period in April 2019, a 73 per cent de- crease. Halton CAS ob- served a 27 per cent de- crease in calls in April 2020 compared to 2019. They said as of April 23, only 85 new cases have been opened by Halton CAS, com- pared to 169 during the same period in April 2019, a 50 per cent decrease. "At Halton Children's Aid Society, we are con- cerned about the increased risk of child abuse and ne- glect due to families beingglect due to families beingg isolated from the communi- ty," said Jennifer Binning- ton, director of protection services at Halton CAS. "We understand this is a very stressful time for many families and we want you tofamilies and we want you tof know that we are an essen- tial service and are open to assist and support children, youth and families 24 hoursyouth and families 24 hoursy a day, seven days a week. Please call us if you have any concerns or worries about a child during this time." Halton police and Halton CAS are asking that every- one remain mindful of the welfare of their neighbours, their children's friends and classmates, and their rela- tives. They say it is crucial that residents also speak to their children about what to do if a friend confides in them that they are not safe at home. Victims or the friends orVictims or the friends orV family of victims are en-family of victims are en-f couraged to contact the Hal- ton police, Halton CAS or other community resources if child abuse or neglect is happening. Help can be reached by calling: • Halton Regional Police Service Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit 905-825- 4777; • Halton Children's Aid Society 905-333-4441 or 1-866- 607-5437; • Kid's Help Phone 1-800- 668-6868 (24-hour crisis line); • Radius Child & Youth Services 905-825-3242 (Oak- ville) or 1-855-744-9001; • Halton Women's Place 905-878-8555 (north) or 905- 332-7892 (24-hour crisis line). NEWS POLICE FEAR CORONAVIRUS CRISIS IS HIDING CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS POLICE NORMALLY RECEIVE CONCERNS FROM SCHOOLS, FRIENDS, COACHES, DAYCARE PROVIDERS, BUT NOW NONE HAVE CONTACT WITH CHILDREN Halton Police and Halton Children's Aid Society voice concerns that coronavirus pandemic is hiding child abuse victims. Halton Regional Police Service photo VISIT INSIDEHALTON.COM TO READ CURRENT AND PAST INVESTIGATIONS