New ways of keeping in touch have ranged from video updates to recordable teddy bears, bringing joy amid the chaos to children, siblings and parents living apart.

“Something like this always births innovation, and our families are going above and beyond to make sure there’s still meaningful and regular contact,’’ said Amalie Mannik, Manager, Centacare Foster Care.

“Some birth parents have recorded lullabies on video, or into special bears, so that their children can still hear their voice.

“Others have been singing songs and telling bedtime stories on Facetime. Even just to be able to see their child’s bedroom, that sort of connection is so important.

“A lot of the foster carers have put together little photo books and templates so the kids can show mum and dad what they’re doing each day.

“The birth families miss their kids. They love them deeply and unconditionally, so having face-to-face contact decrease so dramatically is really tough.”

Amalie said the creativity was doubling as an important learning tool, with foster carers able to provide guidance and feedback to birth parents, based on their interactions with their children.

“So as much as they’re keeping in touch, they’re also learning new ways of connecting with their children.’’

Innovation amid the coronavirus has changed the way Centacare Foster Care operates too.

In lieu of face-to-face contact, which only occurred in some instances in-line with guidelines, carer support practitioners have been consulting with foster carers via phone or virtual consultations. Training is being conducted by video and a new work booklet, while information sessions are being delivered online. Virtual assessment visits have also been introduced.

In light of easing coronavirus restrictions, face-to-face family contact can now resume following a risk assessment by each child’s case manager on a case-by-case basis.