Technology and the Fostered Child: A New Social Work Response

Abstract

Purpose

The advent of the Internet and social medial presents major challenges to contemporary social work involving young people and their families particularly in the sphere of fostering.

Methodology/approach

This discussion paper begins an exploration of how risk and vulnerability, associated with the use of social networking, are usually managed using a traditional model that is rooted in psychologically informed social work.

Findings and originality/value

The discussion then moves to viewing an alternative model of social work that is informed by the sociology of childhood. An argument is made that this model can be effectively used to meet the challenges of safeguarding in a technological age.

Citation

Simpson, J.E. (2015), "Technology and the Fostered Child: A New Social Work Response", Technology and Youth: Growing Up in a Digital World (Sociological Studies of Children and Youth, Vol. 19), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 351-367. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1537-466120150000019012