[Confinement: maintaining links with parents when the child is in placement]

Area of Science:

• Child Protection
• Epidemiology
• Social Work

Background:

• The first epidemic wave led to widespread confinement measures.
• Child protection services faced unprecedented challenges during this period.
• Concerns arose regarding the welfare of children in institutional care and family connections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the consequences of epidemic-related confinement on child protection.
• To examine the impact on children in nurseries and parent-child visitations.
• To understand professional adaptations within child protection services.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of professional experiences and challenges.
• Review of service adaptations in response to health recommendations.
• Case study approach focusing on nursery settings and visitation protocols.

Main Results:

• Confinement disrupted established routines and access to care for vulnerable children.
• Maintaining the parent-child bond proved difficult with sudden cessation of visits.
• Child protection professionals demonstrated resilience and adaptability in reorganizing services.

Conclusions:

• Epidemic confinement significantly affected child protection systems and family dynamics.
• Urgent need for flexible protocols to ensure continuity of care and family contact during crises.
• Professional adaptation is crucial for mitigating negative impacts on children's well-being.