IT with a Social Conscience

Platform 34 is a community based information site which aim is to assist local authorities in delivering better outcomes for looked after children.

Platform 34

Platform 34 is a community based information site which aims to assist local authorities in delivering better outcomes for looked after children.

Platform 34 provides users of the system to see specific information that is relevant to them in their surrounding area and on a national basis. Features of the system include:-

  • Web-links & bulletins of local and national interest
  • Advice on matters such as health, safety, education, employment opportunities, etc
  • Chat and messaging facility
  • One-to-one chat with social work professionals
  • Monitoring via social policy helpdesk

External users of the system can also use Platform 34 so no stigma is attached for the children to recommend the site to their friends & family. We have found this extremely important for the use of the system.

Jill Keegan, Children’s Rights Officer in West Lothian explained, “The flexibility of the system allows me to populate the website with information that is relevant to the looked after children of West Lothian. In an ideal word I would get the opportunity to see the children most of the time but with an ever increasing workload this is just not possible. Platform 34 provides me with the missing link to not only keep in touch with all of the children but also update them with current information on a range of different topics.”

David, 15 of Bathgate, Livingston “The chat and messaging is great for keeping in touch with my mates and you can see what’s happening in the town and get advice on all sorts of issues. It’s also good to contact Jill or leave messages for her.”