Abstract

Foster children are more likely than other children to be involved in risky activities online due to backgrounds of neglect and abuse, an absence of supportive adults, lower self-esteem, and greater exposure to drugs and alcohol.

Covering all the dangers of online technology that your foster child might encounter, from cyberbullying and "sexting", to child grooming and online hoaxes, this book pays particular attention to dangers unique to foster families, such as the difficulties internet access poses for maintaining formal arrangements for contact with birth families. DeGarmo equips foster parents and professionals with strategies to keep foster children safe online, giving tips on establishing expectations for internet usage, advice on how to prevent inappropriate contact and protect personal information, and explaining the importance of "netiquette".

An indispensable guide to negotiating online dangers, this is required reading for all foster families as well as residential child care workers, social workers and other professionals working with children in care.

Dr. John DeGarmo is a proud foster and adoptive parent who has fostered over 40 children. He regularly speaks on his experiences at conferences and training sessions, and is dedicated to improving and promoting successful foster and adoptive care systems. He is the author of The Foster Parenting Manual: A Practical Guide to Creating a Loving, Safe and Stable Home, and of A Different Home: A New Foster Child's Story with Kelly DeGarmo, both published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, as well as Fostering Love: One Foster Parent's Journey. John lives with their foster and adoptive children in Georgia, USA. You can find out more about John here: drjohndegarmofostercare.weebly.com.
I'm grateful to Dr. John DeGarmo for tackling this overwhelming and frustrating topic. He has made it easy to understand both the pitfalls and the positive learning experiences associated with technology and social media. The information in this book is vital to everyone who works in the foster care system or who develops training programs for the children and youth in care.
Irene Clements, President, National Foster Parent Association, USA
“Keeping Foster Children Safe Online should not only be on the nightstand of every foster parent - it should be in the hands of every parent whose children are online."
From the Foreword by Kim Hansel, Editor, Adoption Today and Fostering Families Today