social network policy for working with youth

Use of Messages & Communication With Individuals

All social networking sites, including Facebook, have the potential to allow workers to communicate with young people on a one to one basis.  Any one-on-one communication using a social networking site will be kept in the public eye to safeguard both young people and the youth workers in our ministry.

On Facebook this communication will be done using the wall function will be used for communicating with young people individually on Facebook as well as for replying to private messages which young people may have sent to me.

In the case of group messages (messages sent to multiple young people perhaps for an event) I will message the entire group through a public group on Facebook or will copy the email to one or more additional youth workers.  I also will avoid using txt language and abbreviations

I will not communicate with youth using any chat functions.  Don't even ask. 

If a public wall post is not appropriate for responding to a young person then I will should arrange a public one-to-one meeting, phone the young person, or meet with the assistance of other youth workers, depending on the information a young person has disclosed using a social networking site.

Use of E-Mail to Communicate with Individuals

Any emails sent to me will be retained.  Emails may be shared with other members of the ministry team, if necessary.  Emails should never be considered confidential as I am a mandated reporter in the State of Illinois.  If you do send me an email regarding a personal situation, I will only share it with other ministry team members or as required by law.