Moments that Matter: Strengthening Family Connections During Supervised Visitation

Publication Date

4-2026

College

College of Education

Department

Education, Department of

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Amanda Nelms

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

Supervised visitation is a vital component of the foster care system, offering biological parents and children in state custody opportunities to maintain connection while working toward reunification. However, these visits often occur in emotionally challenging and resource-limited environments that can hinder meaningful interaction. The Moments that Matter project seeks to enhance supervised visitation experiences through Family Engagement Boxes (FEBs), which are distributed to Department of Children’s Services (DCS) offices. Developed in collaboration with Belmont University students and faculty, local nonprofits, and community partners, these boxes include developmentally appropriate toys, activities, and comforting items designed to support emotional regulation, encourage meaningful engagement, and foster positive shared experiences between parents and children. In addition to creating and delivering these resources, the project emphasizes sustainability through ongoing collaboration with student organizations and community partners in replenishment efforts. As this is an evolving initiative, the development process, implementation strategies, and sustainability will continue to be explored. By addressing a small but significant aspect of the reunification process, Moments that Matter aims to foster compassion, dignity, and connection for families navigating foster care while strengthening community partnerships and advancing student engagement in service-oriented learning.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS