THE TWELVE OF OHIO, INC.

Internet Access and use of Online Services

Policy #: 403

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish employeeand Group Home Resident’s

procedures regarding the use of the Information Services network, including computer hardware and software, computer communications, and to protect the integrity of the agency’s database. This policy is necessary to establish appropriate use and prevent misuse of agency personal computers, associated hardware and software, electronic mail (e-mail), the Internet and online services.

The agency respects the individual privacy of its employeesand Group Home Resident’s. However, employeeand Group Home Resident’s privacy does not extend to the employee’s and Group Home Resident’s work-related conduct including the use of agency computers, equipment and supplies. Employees and Group Home Resident’s should have no expectation of privacy when they use agency computer equipment, including but not limited to, software, files, e-mail and Internet browsing.

Agency computers, computer software and computer accounts are to assist employeesand Group Home Resident’s in the performance of their duties. All employeesand Group Home Resident’s have the responsibility to use all computer resources and services in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner.

Policy:

Access to Internet is provided for official agency business. Occasional and incidental personal use may be permitted as long as it does not interfere with regular work. Restraint shall be exercised regarding the amount of time spent and sites visitedaccessing the Internet.

Accountability: All Employees, Board of Trustees, and Group Home Residents

Procedure:

  1. No software, application, plug-in, applet, or executable program (evaluation, revision, update or otherwise) shall be downloaded from the Internet unless the user receives prior approval from the Executive Director or his/her designee.
  1. As representatives of the Agency, staff and Group Home Residents must adhere to any license and copyright laws associated with downloaded software and data, and ensure that the agency’s network is not contaminated with computer viruses.
  1. Employees and Group Home Residents should note that Internet browsing leaves a distinct path on the hard drive. Furthermore, deletion of these paths does not necessarily ensure the paths will not be retrievable at a later time. Therefore, employees and Group Home Residents should not assume that Internet browsing is private or confidential. Employees and Group Home Residents are prohibited from changing configurations, modifying or altering the Internet browser tracking system.
  1. Employees and Group Home Residents shall refrain from using the Internet in a manner that will result in the loss of the recipients’ work or systems, or other types of use that could cause congestion of the network or otherwise interfere with the work of others.
  1. The use of aliases while using the Internet is prohibited. Anonymous messages are not to be sent. Also, the impersonation of others, and/or misrepresentation of an employee’s job title, job description or position in the agency is prohibited.
  1. The employee’s Supervisor/Group House Manager for Group Home Residents shall be the person who shall determine whether the employee is accessing the Internet in a manner that is consistent with this policy.

Approved: March 5, 2001

Revised: June 29, 2010

Board Approved June 29, 2010

Board Effective Date: June 29, 2010

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