Child Protection

A collection of resources on the law, policy and practice of child protection. Includes case studies and exercises.

Child Protection Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Kennedy McFarlane

Following the tragic death of three year old Kennedy McFarlane on the 17th of May 2000, Dumfries and Galloway Child Protection Committee (CPC) commissioned an immediate inquiry into the circumstances which led up to her fatal injury. The object of this inquiry is not to apportion blame but to learn lessons which will help to protect children from abuse and neglect in the future. Also known as The Hammond Report.

Child neglect: experiences from the frontline

Presents new evidence on the damaging effects of neglect and the challenges of dealing with the issue, as told by the professionals in a position to spot the early warning signs – before more serious concerns are reported to the police or social workers. It paints a worrying picture from the frontline of the signs and consequences of child neglect as seen in nurseries, primary schools, hospitals and in local communities across the UK.

Paedophiles (Radio 4 series: Woman's Hour)

This episode of Radio 4's Woman's Hour series asks if a community can recover when a known abuser returns to live there and if a small community can help in the rehabilitation of a sex offender. What benefits does the community gain? A mother whose daughter was sexually abused by a local man is concerned how his return to their community will affect her family's lives. Jenni Murray talks to child psychotherapist Anne Bannister to discuss how a community can heal itself when a known paedophile lives within it.

Commissioner for Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2003

This Act was developed in response to investigations carried out by a Scottish Parliament committee which concluded that a new and independent office of 'Commissioner for Children and Young People' (the Commissioner) should be established. There are a number of principles which underpin the Act. These are that the Commissioner is independent; the best interests of children and young people should be a primary consideration in all matters affecting them; and the views of children and young people should be taken into account in accordance with age and maturity.

It's everyone's job to make sure I'm alright: report of the child protection audit and review

Review to promote the reduction of abuse or neglect of children, and to improve the services for children who experience abuse or neglect. It pays particular attention to the needs of the small number of children whose family or environmental circumstances are so poor that their future wellbeing is placed at serious risk.

SCIE Resource guide 22: Children of prisoners - maintaining family ties

This report brings together resources and research about maintaining family ties for children of prisoners. It provides a review of literature from the past fifteen years as well as examples of practice from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland of what works to support children and their families. The findings highlight the negative impact parental imprisonment can have on children. This area of work cuts across a number of sectors and requires a multi-disciplinary readership and response if outcomes for this group of children are to be improved.

Local Government in Scotland Act 2003

The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 is intended to enable the delivery of public services which better meet the expectations of those who pay for and use them.

The Act contains provisions in relation to Best Value within local authorities; local authority trading powers; the Community Planning process; the promotion and improvement of well-being; and certain miscellaneous provisions concerned with local government.