In a groundbreaking collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Sandwell Children’s Trust, a new virtual reality (VR) training package has been developed to enhance relationship-based practice in social work. The immersive experience allows trainees to observe and learn from real-life scenarios, such as the case of the Harris family, in a way that traditional training methods cannot replicate.
The VR training, known as research-informed virtual relationship-based practice training (RIVRT), offers two versions of Louisa’s journey with the Harris family. One version shows the family remaining on a child protection plan, while the other demonstrates the removal of the plan and the family’s ability to address their circumstances with support. This innovative approach highlights how social workers‘ actions, tone, body language, and approaches can either facilitate or hinder relationship-based practice.
Dr. Tarsem Singh Cooner, the mastermind behind the VR training, spent over a year shadowing social workers to understand the factors that contribute to successful long-term relationships with families. His research findings were then translated into immersive 3D and 2D videos, allowing trainees to experience challenging situations in a safe environment.
The training has already shown promising results, with participants noting self-reflection and increased awareness of the importance of relationship-based practice. Feedback from practitioners indicated a greater mindfulness in their interactions with families, leading to improved outcomes and a deeper understanding of their role.
One of the key benefits of VR training is the ability to focus solely on the scenario being viewed, without distractions. This immersive experience allows practitioners to notice details they may have missed in a traditional training setting, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of social work practice.
Paul Wareham, a senior practitioner at Sandwell Children’s Trust, attests to the impact of the VR training on his practice, even with years of experience. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and learning from both the positive and negative aspects of one’s practice to continuously improve and provide better support to families.
While the VR training has been praised for its effectiveness, Vijay Patel, head of safeguarding at Social Care Institute for Excellence, stresses the need for long-term evaluation to assess its impact on practice. He highlights the importance of gathering feedback from parents and children to ensure that the training is truly making a difference in the field.
With RIVRT now launched, the team behind the training is looking to expand its reach and offer more training opportunities to social work practitioners. By working with local authorities and other organizations, they hope to continue improving relationship-based practice and ultimately enhance outcomes for families in need.
In conclusion, the innovative use of virtual reality in social work training is revolutionizing the way practitioners learn and develop their skills. By providing a realistic and immersive experience, the RIVRT training is equipping social workers with the tools they need to build strong relationships with families and make a positive impact in their communities.