Welcome to the ICT for LAC Project Home Page

• A support worker provides support, advice and training to carers and children. This includes a regular updates, guidance notes, workshops and general advice relating to computers and the internet.

• Carers are encouraged to develop confidence in using computers and the internet which, in turn, enables them to support young people to use their computers effectively.

• The Project has been developed with and supported by the Dudley Foster Care Association, Dudley Council Children's Services Directorate ( formerly Social Services and Education and Lifelong Learning) and the Dudley Grid for Learning (DGFL)/Research Machines (RM) Partnership.

The Project identifies and co-ordinates various initiatives to help achieve its aims:

• About 120 laptops funded by the Computers for Pupils at Home Scheme were provided to looked after children of secondary age.

• Around 80 Netbooks and internet access funded by the BECTA Home Access for Targeted Groups Scheme have been provided to looked after children in years 6 and 7 (academic year 2009-10).

• Many children looked after by Dudley MBC have also recieved computers funded by the BECTA Home Access Scheme.

• It provides Internet Safety Training and advice to Carers and young people.

• It has taken the lead in developing and promoting an Internet Safety Policy for Looked After Children.

• It provides ongoing support and advice to staff and children in Residential Units in the Borough.

• It monitors and trials the use of new developments in ICT to support children's learning.

• It facilitated Computer Club for Girls (CC4G) for a number of looked after girls. The Club is not currently active but may run again in future.

• In the past it has offered foster carers a computer installed with a package of educational software, and a printer. Many of these computers, provided by RM, are still being used by carers and children.