How often should I be contacting children and families?

Calls should be varied between connecting with children directly (if they are at an age of effective phone conversation) and their caregivers.
CALL FREQUENCY
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Depending on how urgent a family’s situation might be, your staff should plan to be in contact 4-7 days a week.
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Weekly communication with local and national government partners, child protection and other relevant (health, WASH, education, protection, shelter) humanitarian coordination mechanisms, civil society networks and community leaders.
USE PHONES
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If both your staff and the family have smart phones with video capability, consider using WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger for verbal and visual contact.
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The organization Changing the Way We Care has provided the following sample of a monitoring program during social distancing measures:
CALL PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
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Attain update on status of all family members
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Track case plan actions
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Provide simple guidance on prevention, signs and symptoms, prevention, and emergency numbers
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Assess for and make needed referrals
CALL CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
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Attain update on health and well-being status
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Track case plan actions
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Provide child-friendly guidance on preventative measures, maintaining learning
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Provide basic psychosocial support
CALL RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES
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Attain updates on entry and exit of children
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Check in about regular supplies, especially WASH, and educational / recreational supplies
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Assess for child protection issues
MAKE CASE NOTES
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Case file records should be completed for all phone or virtual meetings with families or children.
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Download Guideline for Virtual Monitoring of children and their families