What are Child Protection Agencies Learning About Supporting Virtual Engagement with Children and Families as well as Staff?

The COVID-19 pandemic required child protection agencies to pivot quickly, identify new ways of working with children and families, and seize opportunities for innovation that previously seemed impossible. Agency leaders leveraged virtual engagement to maintain connection and support the well-being of children and families, and to address their staff’s needs so they could deliver services effectively during such a difficult stretch of time. This brief shares lessons learned and key considerations offered by parents, caseworkers, supervisors, administrators, and resource caregivers, including both foster and relative caregivers, for incorporating virtual engagement into practice in ways that best support children and families.