Throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, child protection practitioners have adapted the way they work to continue to protect, support and meet the needs of children and families at risk.
Digital technology has allowed vital services to carry on providing support to those who need it throughout the pandemic and has encouraged new and innovative ways of working. Some child protection conferences have happened online, some therapeutic services for children and families have been delivered remotely and practitioners have used a range of ways to keep in touch with children and families.
Alongside this, face-to-face support has continued where necessary in line with coronavirus protective measures. Frontline practitioners such as social workers, health visitors and midwives have made visits to households to provide support, and carry out assessments, whilst also working with families virtually.
We held an online roundtable event in Wales to find out more about the issues practitioners are facing during this challenging time. Following this, we developed some best practice information for you and your organisation to use when working virtually with children and families. On this page, you’ll find:
- an overview of a range of evidence about the benefits and challenges of supporting children and families remotely, including the learning from our roundtable event in Wales
- tips for engaging with families as well as advice on supervision and support, confidentiality and working at home.