PROVIDING REAL CARE AT A SAFE DISTANCE

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

Supporting foster families

In this unique time of social distance 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 cannot always be physically present in the same ways. Let’s remember that one of the main reasons families stop fostering 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. We seek to continue to serve families well.

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 serve wisely and protect yourselves, your volunteers, and the children and families you serve. We encourage you to review and follow the most updated recommendations by the CDC and anything required by local law. 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 if needed.

PRIMARY ACTION STEPS 

  • Continue to check in-regularly and consistently. As many of us currently have a lack of routine, it may be best to schedule appointments with your Team Leaders so that neither of you forget in the busyness of everyday life.

  • Empathize with foster parents since a change in routine can trigger behavior changes in children who have experienced trauma.

  • For helpful tips and short videos on managing behaviors that stem from trauma visit  https://empoweredtoconnect.org/resources/.

PRAYER

  • Follow along as we pray together using the prayer prompts provided on our Facebook page.

  • Pray with children via video calls if desired.

  • Have Team Leaders ask for prayer requests from the foster family and team members weekly. Team Leaders can share those requests with team members so that teams can pray together individually or virtually as a group using Zoom, Skype, or another user-friendly web platform.

  • Set up a WhatsApp or GroupMe prayer check-in for Care Communities and supported families.

ENCOURAGEMENT

  • Send texts, emails, and virtual cards every few days.

  • Offer to help with utilities or medical costs.

  • Order or drop off supplies like diapers, crafts, or games.

  • Gift an online program or streaming service.

  • Purchase gift cards matching families’ needs.

  • Provide gift cards for supplies or fun things for kids.

FAMILY HELPERS

  • Provide an e-gift card for a local restaurant or or utilize an online delivery service such as UberEats or DoorDash.

  • Offer to do the grocery shopping or to pick up groceries ordered online and deliver to the driveway or front porch or provide an e-gift card to a local grocery store.

  • Bring frozen meals or homemade meals (all parties would need to agree on this plan, and commit to adhering to approved safety practices for your area).

  • Provide unprepared meals through an at-home meal kit delivery service. Some ideas and options are linked below. If foster families or Care Team members prefer this option, multiple team members may need to work together to provide this service.

  • Offer to pick up or drop off items that are needed such as diapers or cleaning supplies.

  • Help with lawn care.

CHILD MENTORS

Since in-person visits are cautioned, here are online/virtual ideas your Care Team members can do to give caregivers a break:

  • Help with tutoring or schooling online using Facetime, Skype, or Zoom.

  • Play games together online.

  • Read stories to children online.

  • Teach new skills online: things such as baking, making crafts, playing an instrument, singing songs, telling jokes, magic tricks, etc.

  • Provide gift cards for supplies or fun things for kids.