FOSTER CARERS GET £600 COMPUTER GRANT

CHILDREN and young people  in foster care or supported lodgings will be given an extra boost to their learning thanks to a new scheme being run by Devon County Council.

Under the new ‘Computers for Carers’ scheme, the Council is providing £600 towards a computer and internet connection for every foster family.

The aim is to give the young people access to educational opportunities, so they won’t be at a disadvantage with their peers.

The grant can be used for a completely new set-up, or can be used to supplement existing facilities within the fostering household.

The grant enables each family to choose a desktop computer or a laptop, a printer, a scanner, a wireless router, a security lock, anti-virus software and warranties, all of which should be used within the home environment.  There is also an additional allowance of £15 per month to cover the broadband part of any arrangement.

Councillor John Smith, Devon County Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said:  “Every foster carer will be given this grant to enable them to buy or update computer equipment, which will give the young people in their care access to the kind of information most young people take for granted.

“The use of the computer won’t be restricted to homework, they’ll also be able to use it for all the normal things young people do, like social networking and playing videos, games and music, and there will be basic computer training sheets and guidance on internet security and safety provided for each family.”