How to virtually care for vulnerable children and the families you serve

SUPPORTING OUR FAMS

In this unique time of quarantine and isolation, our supported families will need our help more than ever as they face unprecedented challenges. We have a unique opportunity to serve our families and children even though we can’t physically be present. Let’s remember that one of the main reasons foster families quit is because of the isolation they feel in their journey. The added stress everyone in the household is experiencing could mean more fears and triggers in children, resulting in escalated behaviors. Now more than ever, our families need our love and support!

This uncertain and ever-changing time means that we need to be creative in how we serve our families so they feel our love and encouragement as they navigate life at home with children who have experienced trauma. Our goal is to make sure placements can remain stable and no disruptions occur.

Below are some ideas for how to support these families. Please always follow the highest level of safeguarding to protect yourselves, your volunteers, and the children and families you serve. No one should ever put themselves or others at any kind of risk. Follow all the most updated recommendations by the CDC and anything required by the city or state in which you reside. Extra caution is always advised. All serving is at the discretion of the supported family being served and the volunteer. Err on the side of over-communicating in order to maintain the highest sense of safety possible.

IN ADDITION TO ANY HEALTH AND STATE GUIDELINES, USE COMMON SENSE WHEN SERVING:

• Do not engage in any in-person service (even dropping off) if you are not feeling well.
• Do not engage in any in-person service (even dropping off) if you have been in proximity or contact with someone who has the virus or who has been ill. Practice self-quarantine.
• Avoid making any contact when serving families, keeping a 6 ft. distance.
• Wash your hands well and often.

*Find an app or platform that works easily for video calls like Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype.

SERVING SUPPORTED FAMILIES:

PRIMARY ACTION STEP

• Advocates, set up video calls with each of your foster/adoptive/kinship/Safe Families to check in on them personally.
• Schedule these check-ins every 1-3 weeks, depending on how the family is coping.
• Refer them to online resources such as Chosen.care where they can get online tele-help if the family or child is really struggling. Counseling is offered on a sliding scale, and no one will ever be refused due to financial constraints. They also offer a 2-minute tip every day and other helpful resources.
• Empathize with your parents since a change in routine can trigger behavior changes in children who have experienced trauma.
• Set up an online Support/Connection Group for your foster or Adoptive families where they can share with each other (you can ask one of the parents to lead this). An online Connection Group for dads is also a great idea.
• For helpful tips and short videos on all types of behavior resulting from trauma, go to https://empoweredtoconnect.org/resources/.

PRAYER

• Pray with children via video calls.
• Lead a weekly or bi-weekly Care Community prayer time.
• Team Leaders can host a weekly video call check-in with the parent.
• Utilize the 7-Day Prayer Guide found here or at the bottom of this page.
• Set up a WhatsApp or GroupMe prayer check-in for Care Communities and supported families.