Practices being trialled in Action Cycle 1

In Action Cycle 1, our teams are trialling the following practices.

Dubbo & Maitland Teams

Doing Family Time from a distance –  Supporting families with non-physical modes of communication to promote meaningful Family Time and family connections. Examples of technology-based communication: video chatting (FaceTime, Skype, Zoom), photo sharing via safe apps (FamilyAlbum app, PhotoCircle app), increasing phone catch ups or setting up group chats (WhatsApp) for sibling groups. Examples of low technology-based communication: mailing letters, artwork, and photos. Caseworkers can support family time from a distance by facilitating access to iPads, prepaid envelopes and phone credit, providing instructions for how to download and use apps, providing tips on how to make video chatting fun and interactive. Making it meaningful, engaging and age appropriate.

Sydney Team

Post visit debrief with children, carers and parents – Have debrief phone calls with children, carers and parents (or other relatives involved in contact) within one week after visit to assess what worked well and identify areas for improvement. Ask follow-up open-ended questions: What happened that made you feel good/not so good? What could I have done to help? What could you try next time? 

Wollongong Team

Pre and post visit debrief with parents – (1) Pre visit debrief with parents: Call to check in approximately two weeks prior to scheduled Family Time to promote participation in Family Time and identify any barriers to participation. Ask follow-up open-ended questions: How are you going? What’s been happening? Has anything come up that might affect your next Family Time visit? (2) Post visit debrief with parents: Call to check in within one week after visit to assess what worked well and identify areas for improvement. Ask follow-up open-ended questions: What happened that made you feel good/not so good? What could I have done to help? What could you try next time?