Utilization and Evaluation of Virtual Reality-based Interventions for the Training of Child Endangerment Assessment – A Scoping Review

Abstract

Assessing child endangerment in the home environment can be a substantial challenge. It is particularly challenging for social workers with little experience in assessment of risks for child endangerment. The study examines the current knowledge and application of VR-based technologies in training professionals to assess child endangerment, including how these interventions are developed and evaluated using specific tools. It also explores the effects of VR on skills development and participant perception compared to traditional methods and the extent to which they are employed in decision-making for child welfare. A scoping review based on PRISMA-ScR and the Arksey and O’Malley framework was conducted, and seven scientific databases were systematically searched from 2014 to 2024. Of 307 identified studies, ten remained after screening. VR is already used for the training of professionals but is hardly incorporated in the field of social work. VR training is more realistic and immersive than conventional training methods. However, its effectiveness also depends on variables such as technologies used and the incorporation of feedback. Our review indicates that VR serves as an effective, immersive instructional tool for developing essential skills in child welfare risk assessments, offering advantages over traditional methods in realism and user engagement. However, challenges remain in standardizing VR technologies and evaluating their real-world decision-making impacts. While VR-based methods seem to be promising for the assessment training of child endangerment, scientific research is still sparse and does not provide conclusive results for all investigated outcomes