Social Media: Tips for Child Welfare Workers

Social media apps have become ubiquitous communication tools, and the child welfare field is responding by expanding the role of social media in casework practice. However, social media can also present privacy and safety concerns, and agencies must determine how to utilize these technologies while minimizing risks to families and staff. This factsheet contains tips to help child welfare workers address the complex balance required for successfully using social media in a field that demands strict confidentiality and adherence to a range of rules and guidelines.