The UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work partnered with Amazing Studios to create an animated video highlighting Intensive Alternative Family Treatment (IAFT). IAFT provides specialized support for children in foster care who have significant emotional and behavioral needs. The goal was to explain the program’s impact through real-life stories while ensuring privacy and authenticity.
The Challenge
Two major challenges shaped the creative approach:
- Filming Limitations Due to the Pandemic
The project was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person filming wasn’t a safe option. - Protecting Identities Due to HIPAA Regulations
Given the sensitive nature of foster care, we couldn’t feature real names or faces in the video.
The Solution
To overcome these challenges, we used a hand-drawn, faceless animation style. This approach allowed us to:
- Tell authentic stories without revealing personal identities.
- Maintain emotional depth through expressive character movements and storytelling.
- Create a visually engaging piece that felt personal yet universal.
The Result
The final animation delivered a powerful and compassionate portrayal of IAFT. By using animation, we provided a safe yet impactful way to share real experiences, ensuring the message resonated with families, social workers, and potential foster parents.
This project demonstrated how thoughtful creativity can overcome logistical and ethical challenges, allowing important stories to be told in meaningful ways.
