child protection services

Safeguarding children : a joint Chief Inspectors' report on arrangements to safeguard children

The government made a commitment in the 1998 White Paper 'Modernising Social Services' to put in place new arrangements to commission from all of its Chief Inspectors of services involved with children a joint report on children’s safeguards.

This is the first of those reports and draws on the findings of a wide range of inspection activity undertaken by individual inspectorates. In addition, a joint inspection was undertaken to address inter-agency arrangements for safeguarding children.

Scotland's Children : Children (Scotland) Act 1995 : Research Findings No 4 : Home Supervision

This study of home supervision conducted from 2000-2002 was commissioned by the Scottish Executive. The research team obtained data from social work case records; reporters; panel members; teachers; social workers; families; a national data set of children on home supervision; and key informants in local authorities. The overall aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of home supervision in promoting beneficial changes in the life of the child.

An Introduction to the Case Conference

This is an interactive learning activity which allows for greater flexibility than a traditional role play. In this activity, participants have the opportunity to ‘act out’ their understanding of what happens in a Case Conference, based on their existing level of knowledge and experience. For ‘first timers’ this will be an introductory experience. This task last approximately 60-90 minutes and is suitable for groups of 10 to 20. It is aimed at newly qualified social workers or as part of basic child protection training.

Ellie - Drugs : case narrative

This is a short training scenario originally used in the context of introductory child protection training. It gives brief information from which participants are asked to identify what they are concerned about and what they would do next. The scenario is: Ellie and her partner are prescribed methadone. Their care of their children is causing concern.

Risk assessment and management of serious violent and sexual offenders: a review of current issues

This report reviews the literature relating to the assessment and management of sex offenders and serious violent offenders, and therefore requiring special measures.

It is aimed at those in the criminal justice, social work and other agencies who play an active part in risk assessment and risk management.

The report covers four broad areas: the background policy, legislative proposals and provisions covering sexual and violent offenders; risk assessment methods; the current tools available in this area for these offender groups; and risk management.

Achieving best evidence in criminal proceedings: guidance for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children - Volume 2

The government is committed to improving the protection during the criminal justice process for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children. This document is issued as part of ‘Action for Justice’, the implementation programme for the ‘Speaking Up for Justice’ report. Following the report, the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 set out a range of special measures to assist vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children to give their best evidence in criminal proceedings.