| MSP Unveils New Website for Care Kids (Room2b) |
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| Thursday, 18 March 2004 01:00 |
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And she praised the school as a great way to help young people. She said: “I have to congratulate West Lothian Council in developing this computer programme. “I recognise that computer websites are something young people are comfortable with and enjoy using. “This will be a valuable resource for looked-after children who deserve the best care the local authority can give them.” West Lothian Council developed the package with Aberdeen based software producer EDNET, and extensive consultation and participation by looked after children. The aim of Room2b is to provide information and advice in an interactive, fun, and informative way, which grabs young people’s attention and is specifically targeted to their needs. The Room represents the young person’s personal space, which they can design and change as often as they like. The package is already receiving a great deal of interest an positive feedback from looked after children and other local authorities in Scotland. West Lothian’s spokesperson for the care and protection of children, Councillor Hugh Owens, said he is hopeful of the scheme’s success. He said: “We wanted to develop a way of engaging with our young people which was fun and informative. “Most importantly we wanted to listen to their needs and suggestions and incorporate them in a way which would encourage participation. “Room2b is an excellent interactive package which can be adapted as children grow and develop.” The package also includes the opportunity for youngsters and those who have left care to digitally store significant documents such as a birth certificate, family photos, and school certificates. While it is designed to be fun and interactive it also includes information in an easy to understand format. Issues include, rights and responsibilities, care and aftercare, education, health, further education and training, the world of work, personal, family and friends, and care planning. The package is tailored to two age groups: eight to twelve and twelve to eighteen years. Older children also receive information on sex education and health issues such as drugs and alcohol. Grahame Blair, Head of Social Policy for West Lothian Council, said the system has a variety of uses for young people. He said: “Room2b contains a range of interactive tools and multimedia features which enable looked after children to explore key aspects of their lives, such as throughcare, aftercare, health and education. “It also provides users with access to a website which is specially designed for looked after children, plus over three hours of informative video clips.” |