Tips for Supporting Virtual Family Time

Provides child welfare professionals with an overview of how they can promote successful virtual family time, including research about virtual interactions, how to prepare children and families, and tips and activities for visits. Family time, also known as parent-child visits, is a key factor in promoting family bonding and setting the stage for successful reunification after a child has been placed in out-of-home care. Although in-person contact is the preferred method for family time, there are extreme occasions when in-person contact is not appropriate or safe, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual family time, during which contact is established through video or streaming services, offers a safe alternative.

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2020). Tips for supporting virtual family time. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.

To order printed copies of this publication, please use our order form.