Ensuring continuity of care in a time of crisis

In recent weeks, we’ve seen local authorities working harder than ever before to continue to serve citizens, protect key workers, and provide support to the most vulnerable among us. And, since the start of the outbreak, it’s been incredibly encouraging to see social workers adopting new technologies that can help keep those at risk connected to care professionals who can help.

Technology is helping the children's social care sector in a number of ways, here are some of the crucial services I’ve seen in action in recent weeks;

Working remotely, staying connected
While most regular local authority social care activity is being undertaken virtually, social workers must continue to conduct home visits and assessments for the most vulnerable, so there’s a very real need to help them work as safely, efficiently and flexibly as possible. We’ve seen providers setting up secure apps that allow practitioners to access and update key information at the point of care. This way of working reduces duplication of effort and minimises unnecessary travel, by allowing social workers to complete work steps and update records wherever they are. We’ve seen the number of council’s adopting these digital practices accelerate exponentially since lockdown – the pace of change has been extraordinary.