Experiences of Adoptive Parents and Their Support Workers Accessing Remotely Delivered Therapeutic Support via the Adoption Support Fund during COVID-19: A Service Evaluation

Abstract

This service evaluation explored experiences of adoptive parents and support workers accessing videoconferencing-based therapeutic support. Adoptive parents from 18 families who accessed remote therapeutic support between July and December 2020 completed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted with six social workers. Questionnaires were analyzed descriptively, and interviews were analyzed thematically. Parental responses indicated that accessing such support was accessible and met family needs. Three interview themes were identified: accessibility of support package, relationships and communication, and looking to the future. Findings suggest that a mixture of face-to-face and remote support is preferrable, however, modality preferences differ per family. Recommendations for services offering remotely delivered therapy via VC are made based on the findings, including (1) provide families with a choice of modality for therapeutic work, (2) provide more time to develop a therapeutic relationship, (3) consider a face-to-face meeting prior to online sessions, (4) provide training for staff and families on digital technology, (5) use remote support to provide brief packages of support, and (6) involve support workers to provide consistent support. Suggestions for further research are outlined.

Keywords:

• Remote therapy
• videoconferencing therapy
• adoptive family
• social worker
• service evaluation

Acknowledgments

This study was conducted as part of the first author’s master’s degree training programme at The University of Warwick. The authors would like to thank tutors at The University of Warwick for their mentorship and advice throughout this piece of research. The authors would also like to thank the service and service users for their support and engagement throughout this project.

Disclosure statement

No funding was provided for this study; it was completed as part of the first author’s routine work in completion of their master’s degree studies. The first author was previously engaged in a placement at the service in the study but all authors are now working elsewhere.