A new Research in Practice briefing explores how COVID-19 affected child protection and what the implications are for future practice.
During the pandemic the use of digital technology in social care practice dramatically increased. This resulted in the widespread use of ‘virtual visits’ in casework where a video call to children and their families replaced home visits.
The open access briefing shares findings around the increased use of digital technologies in social work and presents opportunities to develop person-centred practice going forward. The briefing also examines how organisations can effectively support staff wellbeing in a time where the boundaries between home and office have become increasingly blurred.
View the briefing (open access).
Research in Practice resources on child protection during, and post-pandemic
These resources consider how to effectively support children and families in a time when the boundaries between virtual and in-person contact have become increasingly blurred.
Choosing Digital: Embedding digital practice in children's social work
A new dedicated website, Choosing Digital provides a collaborative decision-making tool that recognises the benefits of a blended approach to interaction (both in-person and digital) between young people and their social care workers.
Social work and child protection beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: Key challenges and good practice
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted forms of face-to-face relating between social workers and families in numerous ways. This report explores how it affected child protection and the implications for future effective practice.