the family courts, so how can practitioners use it securely?
- What risks does social media pose to the welfare of children in the family court system?
We know that people often turn to social media to express their opinion on most aspects of their lives, and venting anger, sadness or dissatisfaction over the way family proceedings are going is no exception. Unfortunately, what parents don't often think about before posting is the fact that their child may see these posts, now or later in life. The content posted in the heat of the moment could have a significant impact on their relationship.
With the relative anonymity of social media profiles, it is possible for parents to bypass the court's decision that it is not in a child's interest for them to be in contact. We have also heard of children who are adopted being contacted by their birth parent. This can be quite confusing and disruptive for a child who is building a stable placement with their parents.
- How can negative or critical social media posts affect social work professionals?
If a parent has posted highly critical or abusive messages about a professional they are working with it is generally indicative of difficulty in engaging with them and other professionals, who will be trying to work towards what is best for the child.
While we know social workers are fairly robust there is always going to be some impact on their wellbeing and professional confidence through reading negative posts about their work.
We are seeing an increase in separating parents, who are often representing themselves, pointing to "evidence", in the form of Facebook posts, of the other parent's inability to care for their child. This often distracts from the real issues that need addressing, which is how that couple will parent co-operatively now that they are no longer a couple.
- How can practitioners use social media securely and what are the benefits?
There is great potential to use text, social media and Skype with children and families. Doing so reflects the way people communicate today and it can feel more natural to some children. Skype can overcome distance issues but you should be mindful that just because you can't see anyone else on the webcam view it doesn't mean that the child is alone and can speak freely.
Whatever the communication channel, maintain professionalism and use appropriate language - even if the person you are talking to is using emojis or LOLs.
- How should professionals respond to online threats and/or sensitive information being published?
Just because a threat is made online doesn't mean it shouldn't have the same swift response practitioners would have if it was made at court or at the office. Practitioners should report it to their manager, who can then assess with legal and HR colleagues the risk, and take the right action, including supporting the practitioner.
If sensitive information is published and there is a reasonable working relationship with the parent who has posted it, a conversation about the impact this may have on their child can help. Another course of action is to alert the court, as the judge will be able to convey the restrictions.
- What resources are available to help practitioners navigate this area?
Cafcass (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) has introduced a social media module that provides an overview of the area, scenarios to help practitioners work through potential issues in casework, and sets out the steps to take when subject to abuse or threats online. Cafcass can talk to other organisations if they are interested in developing a similar module for their staff.
A useful website that covers many aspects of online security includes www.getsafeonline.org/social-networking/ social-networking-sites/thinkuknow.
- By Linda Kim-Newby, head of service at Cafcass
TOP TIPS
- Have a working knowledge of social media, even if you don't use it yourself
- Don't go on "fishing expeditions" online for cases - only search if there is reason to
- Treat your relationships online as you would those in the "real world" and keep your professional boundaries
- While negative comments can feel quite personal, most are only seen by a handful of people and not taken seriously by others.
