Fostering policy on the use of video cameras/CCTV

This document outlines the policy for foster carers, Connected Persons foster carers and Special Guardians. This document includes information about why we do not recommend the use of cameras/CCTV within fostering households.

It is the responsibility of the Fostering Service to ensure prospective and approved carers are suitable to work with children and young people and respect their privacy. The use of video cameras and CCTV impacts on this privacy. Children in care should not be treated differently and most homes do not use CCTV to record their families' lives.

Purpose

We understand that the world is changing and so is the way that we view safety and the increased amount of CCTV out in public spaces and outside our homes, such as dash cams in our cars and video ‘ring/smart’ doorbells. The advancement of various forms of safety has become an integral part of everyday life. Therefore, it is vital that in order to ensure your safety and privacy and that of a child or young person in your care, these policies are adhered to.

Data about fostered children, including video footage, falls under the remit of the general data protection regulations.

Guidance

The Fostering Network

Information from the Fostering Network on using CCTV at a foster home.

Advice to all foster carers and fostering services is that CCTV, or other forms of video or audio surveillance, is not necessary or appropriate for monitoring or managing children’s behaviour. This means that this type of technology is not suitable for use inside most foster homes.

CoramBAAF

Do not consider it advisable to use CCTV/video cameras within a foster home if this is about surveillance of children.

Pet cameras in foster homes

This policy also applies to the use of pet cameras.

If a foster carer feels a pet camera is needed for their pet, they must discuss this first with their Supervising Social worker.

Baby monitors

There are various different types of baby monitors available, ranging from video, sound, movement, non-Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi.

The most common and affordable are the sound monitors, these allow a carer to hear the baby through the second unit that is usually downstairs. Video monitors consist of a camera with sound to capture both video and audio.

Wi-Fi monitors do the same but are connected to the internet which allow you to view footage from anywhere. Wi-Fi monitors present an additional risk as they can be hacked. Coventry's Fostering Service would recommend not to use Wi-Fi monitors.

Monitors should only be used to monitor a baby sleeping and turned off at all other times and not used to monitor any other child or person in the house.

Foster carers must not use any other form of wireless security as a baby monitor. Foster carers must purchase a verified baby monitor.

Doorbell cameras

Many people now use a doorbell with a video capability. This is acceptable as long as footage is regularly deleted and as long as the video covers the outside rather than inside of the property. Foster carers are asked to explain to children that a video doorbell is in place in their home.

Process - What checks will be involved and how will they be carried out?

As part of the completion of the health and safety check-in assessment, regular supervision and the unannounced visit, social workers will check whether CCTV or other video is in place in your home.

Exceptions

If foster carers think they may need to use CCTV or video, they should first discuss this with their supervising social worker and the child’s social worker. Any agreement to use cameras should be agreed via either a placement agreement or stability meeting. This should be included in the safer caring plan and reviewed each month. Where this is reasonable for a time-limited period, it must cease as soon as possible. Any footage created must be stored securely and deleted after 1 week.