Telepractice resources
We are seeking to support service providers to make the most of digital technologies in delivering parenting support. This curated list of high-quality resources, developed in Australia and internationally, will be updated from as new resources are identified or produced that meet the criteria for inclusion.
Abstract: This is a guide created by Reimagine Australia (formerly Early Childhood Intervention Australia) which outlines how to plan, undertake and follow up consultations with parents and their children through telepractice. This document is created for practitioners working with children with disability or developmental delay and offers practical tips on how to deliver best practice virtually. The reading length of the guide is 26 pages.
Abstract: This is a review from Early Intervention Foundation which provides insight into the evidence for various telepractice approaches, plus actionable recommendations for service providers. This report is intended for use by practitioners delivering services for children and families both during and post COVID-19. It is a 54-page read, and a 5-page summary of the full report can be found here (PDF).
Abstract: This is a document produced by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency to guide child welfare practice when conducting remote family team conferences. It is a 4-page publication which highlights the main considerations for child welfare workers and facilitators to make when virtually connecting with a client.
Abstract: This is a webpage that links to a series of short videos (roughly 3-15 minutes) that explain how to approach telepractice. The videos go into a good amount of detail and address a range of issues. Family services practitioners may find topics such as “Introducing telepractice to families” and “What do I need to do before, during and after the telepractice appointment” most useful.
Abstract: This is a webpage that links to various sections that indicate how and why social workers should develop skills in telepractice. Each section has a reading time of 5-10 minutes and provides a good analysis of the topic, with actionable advice and key principles for social workers to refer to.
Abstract: This is a guide for intended use by practitioners working with children and families. It provides insight into how to prepare and conduct a session via telepractice. The webpage includes video and written material of about 5 minutes reading and 10 minutes watching time.
Abstract: This resource provides a series of guidelines for allied health practitioners to consider when delivering virtual services to children with complex disabilities. It is an 8-page read developed by the University of Sydney to guide the delivery of quality telepractice based on research in this space.
Criteria for inclusion
Each resource has fully satisfied the first two essential criteria, and achieved a total score of at least three points across the desirable criteria (with a rating of ‘absent’ earning 0 points, ‘partially met’ earning 1 point and ‘fully met’ earning 2 points).
Essential
- The resource is highly relevant to practitioners in the family services sector
- The resource has applicability beyond the immediate necessity for adaptations in response to COVID-19
Desirable
- The resource is clear, succinct and actionable
- The resource is reliable (ie. cites evidence and/or is from a reputable source)
- The messaging is consistent with effective framing regarding children and parenting
Supported by the Victorian Government Department of Department of Health and Human Services.