Les enjeux éthiques des pratiques numériques dans le secteur de la Protection de l’enfance1

Abstract

De manière progressive, le monde social s’est vu doté de nouveaux outils de communication qui se sont largement diffusés et sont devenus des outils communs pour de nombreuses familles. Cet article vise à interroger, dans le cadre spécifique de la protection de l’enfance, le travail des liens familiaux à partir des pratiques numériques au moment du déplacement d’un enfant du domicile familial vers un lieu d’accueil. Il questionne également les enjeux éthiques liés au développement de la correspondance numérique et à la régulation de ces échanges numériques par les professionnels.Progressively, the social world has been equipped with new communication tools that have spread largely throughout society and have become usual tools within many families. This paper raises the issue of the work on family links by the means of digital uses during the time of transportation of children from their family residence to child welfare service. Additionally, the paper addresses the issue of the ethical stakes in relation with digital correspondence and their regulation by professionals

Information and communication technology use among children separated from one or both parents: A scoping review

“…She doesn't hear from her mother for 3 or 4 days afterward. Then she gets worried” (Potin & Trellu, 2016, p. 100; translation). Some professionals raised more general concerns related to Internet use by young people: risk of sexual exploitation and criminality, cyberbullying, being addicted to their devices (Macdonald et al, 2017; Potin et al, 2020; Simpson, 2020).…”

“…The majority of parents, children, and professionals surveyed in the reviewed studies had a positive view of ICT use, both post-separation and during foster care. The perceived benefits include the ability to stay connected despite physical separation or geographic distance, have more frequent contact, and maintain an emotional bond (Birnbaum, 2020;Castelain-Meunier & Libbrecht, 1997;Macdonald et al, 2017;Potin & Trellu, 2016;Quinn et al, 2015;Saini & Polak, 2018;Wolman & Pomerance, 2012). Technology can also provide psychological and emotional comfort to young people in care by allowing for immediate contact with their family, thereby making the physical separation easier to manage (Birnbaum, 2020;Macdonald, 2017;Potin et al, 2020;Quinn et al, 2015;Simpson, 2020;Wolman & Pomerance, 2012).…”

“…Factors found to support ICT use in foster care or parental separation situations include many young people's desire to maintain ties with their parents, even if they have vulnerabilities (Beaudry et al, 2004; Potin, Henaff, Trellu, & Sorin, 2018). In formal arrangements where contact is normally scheduled in advance, ICT use offers parents and children the possibility of autonomy and privacy through spontaneous family interaction (Potin & Trellu, 2016, p. 138). However, in some situations (e.g., high conflict, domination, or abuse), the use of ICT can undermine the safety or stability of child placement.…”