In light of the recent pandemic, the Department of Child Safety has enacted Social Distancing Protocol – Level 2 which means all court hearings, TDMS, parenting time, and home visitation from case managers and licensing staff will be temporarily conducted virtually. To get the latest news regarding Covid-19 and the Department of Child Safety please visit the State’s information and resources.
We understand the level of stress and uncertainty this can cause for all parties involved and as an agency want you to know we are here to support you. Everyone will be new to this virtual visitation thing. We appreciate your grace and patience as details and technology are navigated.
We also understand that virtual visits aren’t the most engaging for children and their families. One goal of visitation is to promote bonding and another is to assure safety for children and their biological families. Here are some helpful tips for virtual visits written by our staff member and former foster mom Amy Goshow. We hope these tips will help your foster children and their parents have successful visitations while they are unable to be in the same physical space.
Remember, change is hard and scary. Some children may feel awkward, sad or frightened having to visit their family virtually.
~ have a quiet place away from the other children
~ let the child have their favorite toy/ stuffed (or real) animal to show their parent
~ have the child read their favorite book to their parent
~ discuss beforehand some topics the child can bring up, or a couple jokes or riddles
~ younger children can play with playdough or color while visiting
~If you have a performer let them play their instrument, or sing
~ Let this time be as stress-free as possible for all involved. A great way to model that is through your patience and kindness
Remember that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Praying for you and the children in your care.