Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the landscape of family interactions, particularly for children in foster care. The sudden shift to virtual family time has posed unique challenges and opportunities for practitioners working to maintain critical family bonds. A recent study titled "Responding to COVID-19’s impact on supervised family time: The supportive virtual family time model" explores an innovative approach to facilitate these interactions effectively.
The Supportive Virtual Family Time Model
The study by Orlando et al. (2021) introduces the Supportive Virtual Family Time (SVFT) model, which aims to enhance parent-caregiver collaboration through structured virtual interactions. Over a four-month period, 140 individuals registered for the SVFT training, with 72% completing a post-training survey. The results indicated high satisfaction with the training content and delivery, with participants reporting the development of new skills for interacting with parents and caregivers.
Key Components of the SVFT Model
- Preparation: Virtual meetings with parents and caregivers to address unique challenges and prepare for positive interactions.
- Family Time Partnership Meeting (FTPM): A structured meeting to set expectations and create a collaborative environment.
- Debriefing Sessions: Post-visit discussions to celebrate successes and address challenges.
These components are designed to support the emotional and logistical aspects of virtual family time, ensuring that both parents and caregivers are equipped to foster a positive environment for the child.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can leverage the SVFT model to improve the quality of virtual family time, even beyond the pandemic. The model provides a framework for enhancing communication and collaboration between parents and caregivers, which is crucial for the child's well-being. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the eLearning materials and consider how the SVFT model can be integrated into their practice.
Future Directions
While the SVFT model shows promise, ongoing evaluation and adaptation are necessary. Future research should focus on the long-term impact of virtual family time on child welfare outcomes and explore the perspectives of parents and caregivers. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this evolving field by sharing their experiences and insights.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Responding to COVID-19’s impact on supervised family time: The supportive virtual family time model.
