With school buildings shut down through at least the end of the academic year, children are interacting with fewer adults who are on the lookout for signs of abuse and neglect. The state has received 14 percent fewer reports this March than 2019 — a trend experts think is not because there is less abuse during a time of great economic hardship and emotional strain, but because of underreporting.

The policy, announced in emails sent to foster parents, parents' and children's attorneys in April, noted that the in-person visitation suspension aligns with Gov. Steve Sisolak's Stay at Home Order issued on March 31 and will not end until the order is lifted. In lieu of physical contact, the agency added that it is working to facilitate telephone or video calls for separated families.