Social Media & Privacy

Ever wonder why foster family pictures have blurred or covered faces? Have you ever been frustrated that foster families won’t tell you more about the court case or give you any information about the child in their care? You’re not alone and it’s important to recognize that these aren’t just blurry photos, and it’s not that parents don’t trust you.

Parents are simply protecting the privacy of the child and her family. The parents have learned how easily predators can track geographic location through posted photos; they understand that social media photos and information are easily accessed even into the future, providing information the child won’t want available to future employers and colleges. Parents also know that the child’s first family may utilize social media searches to inappropriately communicate with a child. These are very compelling reasons to protect a child’s privacy.

While laws are different in each state, there are some ways you can join the family in protecting the privacy of the kids you’re supporting. Let’s go over the Do’s & Don’ts!

The Do's

1. Do use social media to create a private group for support team communication
   • Maintain communication and keep support team members updated with the family and their current needs by creating a Facebook Private Group. (Note that a child’s face and other identifying information should still not be used.) Follow these instructions to set up a Group and edit your privacy settings.
2. Do utilize social media to advocate for kids & families
   • Post articles relating to foster care to raise awareness and encourage your friends to get involved.  Check out the Project 1.27 Facebooks page or one of the following pages for ideas: CAFO, Jason Johnson Blog, Foster2Forever.
3. Do monitor the use of your family computers and communication devices
   • If you allow older kids to use computers, tablets, game systems and cell phones, keep devices in a public space so you can monitor the content and any friend requests or emails from unknown individuals. Be sure older children understand and follow confidentiality guidelines when posting.

The Don'ts

1. Don’t use identifiable pictures of children on social media or in publications
   • Instead, find creative ways to take a picture together such as everyone’s hands in together, or everyone facing away from the camera.
   • Rather than posting a photo on social media, print and laminate/frame it so kids can carry it around in their backpack or keep it at home.
2. Don’t post names of children on social media or in publications
   • Instead use general terms or phrases such as “wonderful kids” or “a very special person to me,” or if necessary use a first initial.
3. Don’t use social media to talk about a court case or family situation
   • As a sign of respect, keep any opinions you have about the child’s parents or the court case off social media.  Instead, only share this information privately between people close to you or in a private Facebook group (see above).

If you have any further questions, have an open discussion with the family you’re supporting as they’ll be familiar with the regulations and privacy concerns for their kids!