Internet Safety and Storage of Information Electronically

All Foster Carers* need to provide suitable access to I.T for children in their care.  All Foster Carers need to complete (B)e SAFE – Embrace Modern Media. All Foster Carers to visit the CEOP site and to look at the SSCB E safety toolkit.

*The exception is for Foster Carers who only care for babies – this should be discussed and agreed with the Supervising Social Worker.

This guidance is compiled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. It concerns all computers within the foster home and the safe storage of confidential information.

Introduction 

Over the last few years, advances on the internet have changed completely the way we communicate with each other, share and store information, expand our knowledge, go shopping, book holidays and build and expand friendship networks. 

For parents and carers, the internet is still a novelty – for children growing up now, the internet is a fact of life, and their lives will be increasingly ‘web’ based, whether on personal computers, games consoles, mobile telephones, at home or at school.  While the benefits it can offer, with regards to education and learning are immeasurable, it can also pose risks and possible harm for young people.  Staffordshire County Council believes that families and households should work together to understand safe care and responsible internet use. 

Children in Foster Care may be particularly vulnerable.  They may be at risk from contact from friends and family members, when it may not be in their best interests to be contacted.  There is a chance that revealing their care status may make them particularly exposed to inappropriate behaviour, grooming or online bullying. 

Principles 

Foster Carers are expected to provide computing equipment to enable children & young people in their care to have access to information technology, which can be of great educational and social value. It is important that children and young people are safeguarded from potential abuse via the internet and carers must take steps to protect them. Any information stored relating to children and young people in their care must be protected in line with the Data Protection Act, this includes accessing and contributing to web site forums etc. If in doubt, please liaise with the Foster Care team for guidance.