Carer networks/ groups (face to face or via social media) can be a very useful tool for carers to access mutual support and advice between peers. However, it is important to apply good sense to communication and participation in these forums given foster carers’ ethical and legal obligations to maintain the confidentiality of children, young people, and their families.
Many carers now participate in informal carer Facebook groups or other Internet chat environments. These forums can be supportive and helpful, but carers should always check information/ advice with their agency or the FCAV as solutions for one carer’s situation may not be applicable to another carer’s specific issues or circumstances.
Despite the existence of privacy options, carers need to be mindful that items published in social media remain publicly accessible and it can be difficult to guarantee that sites are fully private. As such, always start with the assumption that anything you say can be read by anyone, anywhere, at any time and remember that the Internet has a long memory. Even comments made in a “closed” group can be subject to legal action if considered defamatory or harmful to other people’s reputations.
Carers should always be cognisant of their legal obligations to respect the confidentiality of the children and young people for whom they care. Breaches of confidentiality can incur significant penalties pursuant to both the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005. Breaches of confidentiality can also result in investigations through the Client Incident Management System (CIMS) or other disciplinary actions which may have serious ramifications for carers.
Most importantly, carers should always respect that children, young people and their families have the same rights to privacy that all Victorians are entitled to. This is clearly stated in the Charter for Children in Out-of-Home Care and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.
Respect confidentiality. All carers undertake to respect confidentiality agreements and Codes of Conduct established by their foster care agencies. This applies to carers’ interactions on social media as much as anywhere else. Under no circumstances should any identifying information be given about a child, young person, or their family members. Never enter any discussions with other people on any forum regarding the child or young person in your care and/or their family members, particularly parents.
Ensure stringent privacy settings. Carers should always check the terms and conditions of the social media platforms being used and ensure the strongest possible privacy settings are in place to limit viewers of these platforms.
Don't break the law. Do not post comments which are defamatory, discriminatory, incite violence, infringe copyright or are otherwise unlawful. There are clear penalties under Victorian criminal and civil legislation that could apply to carers found to be liable under these laws.
Be polite. Treat other people in your group (electronic or face to face) with respect and courtesy. Avoid comments using inappropriate or malicious language about others (including children and young people, their family members, DFFH or foster care agency staff). Do not post comments that you would not say directly to another person and consider how other people might react before you post.
Negative comments about foster care agencies and their staff, or DFFH and its staff, on social media can compromise a partnership approach to the care of children and young people. While carers may feel “better” for voicing their frustrations in an electronic forum, issues are unlikely to resolve, and inappropriate advice may be offered by other participants.
Carers should always raise concerns with their agencies or the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing through the appropriate feedback / complaints procedures. The FCAV’s Carer Support Team can provide advice and, if required, assistance to carers to resolve issues concerning them.
