Social workers plan virtual visits

BAKERSFIELD, CA. — Social workers are having to shift their monthly visitation for foster families to virtual check-ins.

“For us, our typical role is to be out in the homes of foster families to make sure the needs of families are being met. How are they doing? How is their mental health? How is their education?" said Jim VanderZwan, Vice President of Kern Bridges Youth Homes.

A local mom recently fostered two of her three foster kids in December and says the stay at home order has been shocking to them.

“They're like 'when is this going to be over? did you ever go through this mom? And I said 'no were all going through this together,” said Frances Cortez, a local foster parent.

Typically, social workers will visit new foster families but now they are having to do everything through FaceTime or Zoom calls.

“What we are seeing through doing FaceTime calls is that people feel more comfortable in their own home and it's not a meeting or an interview," said VanderZwan.

“They walk around and FaceTime them and show them their room, kitchen, mom washing dishes," said Cortez.