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Case management continuity in COVID-19

Through this short video learners hear a number of suggestions on how to adapt and continue case management services during COVID-19.
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Welcome case management team. Hello I am a War Child Holland Child protection Advisor I’m joining you today to share some tips on how to continue with our case management work. During covid-19, you will learn how to overcome challenges in a possible lockdown, curfew or other restrictions. In this video We will talk about how to organize your case management work during COVID-19. How should I prioritize my caseload? First of all, develop a prioritization criteria to identify which cases need most urgent follow up, One. Review which open cases you have and when, how and how often you had to plan to conduct follow up visits and or calls Two.
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Consider which of these children will be at greater risk of violence abuse and exploitation due to confinement measures and movement restrictions Reassessed domestic violence cases where alternative care arrangements may be needed if a quarantine containment measures are put into place. Three. Discuss ways to identify new high-risk cases emerging related to covid-19 when you decide on which cases are your priorities. Here is some advice to consider. Depending on the situation in your country, it is advisable not to open new cases unless these are high risk cases. What are the high risk cases we might see related to COVID-19?
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1 - children separated from their caregivers due to loss of caregivers to the disease, isolation of caregivers away from children due to the disease, or children sent by their caregivers to stay with other relatives in non-affected areas 2 - children and households whose livelihoods are immediately or severely affected by restrictions on movement or lack of access to services. 3 - children with disabilities, chronic illnesses, child victims and survivors of the disease who may be rejected by their families and/or communities 4 - children newly experiencing violence. Or Abuse at home. 5 - children with family or household members who have contracted the disease and are severely sick or hospitalized.
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6 - children online abuse linked to the increased use of online platforms for school, PSS or free time activities and to stay in touch with friends. Remember additional child protection risks emerge due to COVID-19 outbreak. Prioritization is crucial to ensure appropriate and timely response to save lives. How should I prepare for and conduct the session? This will depend on the case. You should discuss this with your supervisor. Take time to prepare your session to help you deliver the messages in a clear and structured way as you may be discussing your new topics.
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For example, giving information on COVID-19 and on changes to War Child Holland deprogramming It can help to prepare the way in which you will communicate about this, remembering tips on child-friendly ways to talk about COVID-19. Keep in mind that you will need to give more attention to the caregivers because A - they are the one who will facilitate your communication. So always include them while planning B - with isolation and confinement measures, the risk of domestic violence is increased. Talk with caregivers and understand the situation from their point of view. This may help to reduce their level of stress. C - some caregivers will struggle to set a clear routine for their children. being at home all the time.
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You can provide the practical tips for positive parenting and maintaining a daily routine Coordinate with colleagues to check if the supportive psychosocial support and education services are still available to follow the case plan. Remember, at the end of the session, summarize the main points and agreements. Remind the child and the caregivers of the date and time of the next session one day before, as everyone is under increased pressure and might be more forgetful. What can I do related to service mapping and referral pathways? Frequently monitor access, availability and the changes of services. The information may change rapidly.
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Keep updating this information and inform other caseworkers, community focal points, partners and caregivers when relevant, review existing referral pathways to identify to which services you have limited or no access and which services you can still reach by phone or online. Monitor the establishment of new health and/or services and updated the referral pathways. Review the availability and functionality of existing child protection support hotlines. Ensure that children and caregivers and communities are aware of reporting and service provision hotlines within their locations. Remember, either you or your supervisor should continue to coordinate with the case management, working group, child protection sub cluster or other relevant coordination groups to share and receive information about service, availability and constraints. Thanks for your attention today.
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Also, make sure you watch our videos about communication with caregivers and safeguarding your information. As case manager during COVID-19 Please remember that this is not an easy situation. We all have to take care of additional responsibilities and worries in our household and family on top of our regular work, if you feel stressed or overwhelmed, talk to your supervisor, line manager or human resources staff. Stay safe, stay healthy and keep an eye out for each other.

As a result of public health preparedness and response measures to COVID-19, the overall risk of violence, exploitation and abuse of children increases while protective factors for many children may decrease.

Child protection case management—including the Best Interest Determination Processin refugee settings—is an essential, life-saving, service that cannot be suspended or stopped. Services must continue for the most urgent or vulnerable open cases as well as for new cases that are generated during the pandemic.

To enable safe case management continuity through all stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, adaptations to standard approaches are required.

Watch this short video where War Child shares how they are supporting teams to prepare for and adapt case management services in different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that services can continue across different operational restrictions.

Your Task

Why is case management essential and lifesaving? What impact could suspending case management have on open cases?

Has your organization shared guidance for case management continuity in COVID-19? How does it reflect or differ from adaptation measures introduced in the video?

Share your thoughts in the discussion thread below.

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Protecting Children during COVID-19 and other Infectious Disease Outbreaks

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