child protection services

The role of safeguarders in Scotland

Safeguarders are persons who may be appointed by children’s hearings or sheriffs when they think this is required to safeguard the interests of the child in the proceedings. Their role is to provide support and advice for the proceedings.

The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate the current use and operation of safeguarders in Scotland.

Hidden harm: Scottish Executive response to the report of the inquiry by the Advisory Council on the misuse of drugs

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs published 'Hidden Harm' which highlighted the plight of the estimated 41,000-59,000 children in Scotland affected by parental drug use. This resource describes the Scottish Executive's response to the challenges outlined in 'Hidden Harm'.

Getting it Right for Every Child: proposals for action - analysis of consultation responses

Summary of the document: Getting it right for every child: proposals for action: summary of consultation analysis. The consultation document getting it right for every child: proposals for action, which was published on 21 June 2005, identified three main areas for improvement: Improving and unifying the services for children, strengthening the children’s hearings system and modernising the children’s hearings system.

Vulnerable witnesses: a police service guide

The Government is committed to improving the treatment of victims of crime. This document is issued as part of Action for Justice, the implementation programme for Speaking up for Justice, the report of the interdepartmental review of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses. That report made a series of recommendations covering the investigation through to the trial and beyond, with the aim of assisting vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give their best evidence.

Scotland's children: the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 Regulations and Guidance : Volume 3 - adoption and parental responsibilities orders

This is the third of four volumes of comprehensive guidance on the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. The Regulations, Directions and Guidance which are included in this and the other volumes are designed to provide guidance on the implementation of Parts II, III and IV of the Act. Volume 3 sets out the policy and procedures relating to adoption of children and parental responsibilities orders including local authority responsibility.

The physical punishment of children in Scotland: a consultation

The purpose of this consultation paper is to explore how the law relating to the physical punishment of children can be modernised, so that it better protects children from harm. The aim of the consultation is to address two specific issues. First, within the context of a modern family policy, in a responsible society, where should we draw the line as to what physical punishment of children is acceptable within the family setting? Second, how do we achieve that position in law?

Hidden harm: responding to the needs of children of problem drug users

In this ground-breaking report, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs considers the impact on children of parental problem drug use. For the first time ever, it assesses the number of affected children in the UK.

It examines the evidence for significant harm to their health and well-being. It considers what is being done at present to help them and what more could be done.

What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused: children’s services guidance

Document which focuses on what you should do if you have concerns about children, in order to safeguard and promote their welfare, including those who are suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm.

This resource also outlines what will happen once you have informed someone about those concerns; what further contribution you may be asked or expected to make to the processes of assessment, planning, working with children, including how you should share information.

The Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003: guidance: (Amendment of the Definition of Child Care Position) Order 2008

Scottish Government guidance elaborating on an amendment to child protection legislation which removes from the category of child care position the work carried out by a member of a Parent Council or other parent body and the work involving an activity primarily intended for people aged 18 or over in a school or further education institution.