The report presents issues of digital exclusion relating to Roma families dealing with Children’s Services and the legal system. This was in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the increased use of digital technology by courts and local authority services, and cuts in legal aid and the complexities of securing advice and representation.

Key data and findings

A lot of Roma parents lack the skills and confidence needed to use digital platforms. This included basic skills around digital conferencing, email, and following links. This not only made the platforms difficult to use but created power imbalances between Roma families and skilled professionals.

There are few programmes offering Roma families support with developing their digital skills. Skills issues are part of a wider issue of digital access, with many Roma families unable to afford adequate technology to access and use platforms. Skill and poverty issues make participation harder, and many people struggle to articulate their issues.

Many Roma families face challenges caused by not speaking / reading English well, made more difficult by the technical language in court proceedings. Translators often would not have time to explain terms.

Whilst some families were happy with online meetings, many would prefer face to face meetings. Digital spaces can make building rapport and trust more difficult.

Some professionals reported positive outcomes of digital work, such as being able to deal with more clients and to manage work-life issues.

Conclusions and recommendations

Digital working has some benefits for some but overall represents significant challenges to Roma families. People may be made less able to successfully use legal and other systems.

Communication methods need to be adapted to individual families and their circumstances.

Professionals need to get better training in how to spot and deal with digital exclusion issues. This could include Roma specific training for contact centre staff.

Children’s Services should provide technical support to help parents who have difficulties with using IT devices and services. They can also work with legal professionals and courts to ensure that Roma families get support to develop the skills they need, and that they understand the procedures they will take part in.

Further research should be done in to the decisions made in online settings, such as whether removal of children is more or less likely.

Methodology

Social workers and family lawyers were asked to complete an online survey. Roma families and professionals took place in semi-structured interviews.

Thanks

Thanks to all Roma advocates and organisations working with Roma who shared their experience and knowledge with us: Luton Roma Trust, Roma Support Group, Clifton Learning Partnership, Granby & Toxteth Development Trust, Travelling Ahead: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Advice & Advocacy Service, and St Edmund's Nursery School & Children's Centre and to all professionals who took part in our surveys. We are also grateful to Dr Joanna Kostka (Lancaster University) and Kate Williams (our volunteer).