Issue - meetings

To provide a verbal update on the feasibility of providing laptops to Children in Care.

The Committee was provided with a verbal update from the Interim Head Of Service (Resources and Placements) regarding the feasibility of providing laptops for CiC. Confirmation was provided that all CiC under the age of 16 had computer access within their placements but for young people over the age of 16, laptop provision was determined on an individual basis. The Committee were advised of the significant financial commitment to providing laptops to the 400+ CiC over the age of 16, which would be expected to exceed £160k, excluding additional costs such as maintenance. The Committee considered that it would be valuable to seek the views of CiC as to whether laptops were considered a priority.

In relation to issues surrounding CiC accessing social networking sites from computers provided in placements, it was advised that a policy and procedure was currently being developed to set out a definitive standpoint and mitigate against the risks associated. 

RESOLVED:

·      That feedback from young people on their views as to the priority attached to provision of lap tops as against other possible spend be reported to a future meeting of the Committee.

·      That a report be received to the December Committee meeting on the policy and procedure for the accessing of social networking sites by CiC.