Foster carers are using virtual reality technology to aid their understanding of the lived situations children in their care may have faced. Carers can view scenes dealing serious social issues through the eyes of a child.
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00:00Look what it's gone and done!
00:04She's sick. She can't help it.
00:07Stupid f***ing child of yours.
00:10A glimpse of life before children enter state care.
00:13Her hair smells so bad that she... Oi!
00:16These acted scenes are played to foster carers
00:18through virtual reality headsets,
00:20helping them understand children's past trauma.
00:23It is overwhelming. It's sad.
00:27You react.
00:29South Australian foster carer Louise looks after a 10-year-old boy.
00:34She says virtual reality gives her a different perspective on parenting.
00:38It's a real eye-opener.
00:40It gives you...
00:42Not only do you see the information, hear the information,
00:45but you feel it, and that's the difference using this.
00:48When you understand the story behind these children,
00:52young people's lives,
00:53some of the terrific things that they've seen,
00:55it gives you a greater understanding of the world that they're living in.
00:59The voluntary programs offered to foster carers across the country.
01:03A baby lying on the floor in the lounge and nobody's coming.
01:07Using head and eye movements,
01:09carers can explore how children perceive domestic violence,
01:12substance use and online grooming.
01:15It's not just for foster carers.
01:17It could have a broader impact on the community as well.
01:20I am so impressed by this groundbreaking technology.
01:24We will certainly be looking at how else we can use it.
01:27Here I am, growing.
01:29A high-tech solution that could foster broader community empathy.
01:33Don't you ever speak to me like that.