InternetThere are many advantages to going “on line”. Howestead Lodge Ltd has prioritised the following areas, which it feels reflects its positives: - To actively promote and maximise educational opportunities for all young people placed at Howestead Lodge. - To allow staff immediate access to a myriad of information supporting best practise, to improve communications to all departments and individuals whose aim it is to promote good practise, these areas may include: Legislation, training, education, health, Government and Local Authority guidelines, local and national employment and recreational opportunities, etc. - To allow young people access through a portable, removable device on request. This is continually monitored. - To promote Howestead Lodge Ltd, by the use of a “Web Site”, as a quality resource and a constant provider of good childcare. Which, when required, can be accessed by all Local Authorities regardless of their geographical location, providing instant information on all aspects of the Howestead Lodge “Statement of Purpose”. Howestead Lodge Ltd recognises the importance of effective security for all young people who use the Internet. Howestead Lodge Ltd also recognises the concerns that Placing Authorities, natural families, persons with parental responsibility and significant others may have surrounding the same issues. To alleviate some of the concerns and to seek best advice, Howestead Lodge Ltd has secured the services of a reputable local company specialising in computers, the Internet and its software. During these preliminary discussions it was established that a quality security program was a prerequisite for any person using the Internet. Howestead Lodge Ltd fully supports the ethos of “Working Together in Partnership” and will decline requests made by the young people to access the Internet until the following criteria has been met: 1) The young person’s Social Worker has been informed ‘in writing’ with any comments noted. 2) The permission from the parents / parent, person / persons with parental responsibility be sought in writing. As a supplement to the security for all the young people using the Internet it has been decided that: - Each young person be assessed for their ability and level of understanding so that a decision can be made on whether full supervision or partial supervision be applied to that young person whilst they are “surfing the net”. That the following Internet facilities will not be available to any young person: - Sending and receiving E-Mail (unless supervised by staff via a password). - Internet relay chat (IRC) - News groups |