child protection services

All babies count: prevention and protection for vulnerable babies

Based on extensive research, consultation and original analysis, this report adds new dimensions to the case for early intervention.

It shines a light on the disproportionate vulnerability of babies to abuse and neglect; and it provides the first estimates of the numbers of babies affected by parental problems of substance misuse, mental illness and domestic abuse.

Empowering vulnerable children and their parents using Talking Mats

Case study which describes the use of Talking Mats at Stenhouse Child and Family Centre (Edinburgh City Council) with very young, vulnerable children and their parents.

Talking Mats is a low-tech communication tool originally developed by the Alternative and Augmentative Communication Research Unit to support people with communication impairment including those with stroke, learning disability and dementia.

Children's and families' services scie guide 24 : learning together to safeguard children : developing a multi-agency systems approach for case reviews

This guide is one of a series published by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). SCIE guides are one-stop shops for social care practitioners, presenting key findings, current legislation and examples of what is working well to guide and inform practice. Guide published in January 2009.

Responding to children and young people's disclosures of abuse

Paper that discusses the topic of children and young people’s disclosures of abuse. It outlines what is known through research and practice about how, why, what and when children and young people are likely to disclose. It offers suggestions for parents, family members, friends, professionals or others to help respond to children and young people at the time of disclosure and in the longer term.

Safeguarding in schools: best practice

Report that illustrates and evaluates the features of best practice in safeguarding, based on inspection evidence from the 19% of all maintained primary, secondary and special schools, residential special schools and pupil referral units inspected between September 2009 and July 2010 where safeguarding had been judged outstanding.

It also draws on a more detailed analysis and evaluation of safeguarding practice in a small sample of outstanding schools visited by Her Majesty’s Inspectors.

Review of the multi-agency resource service (MARS) and the Scottish Child Care and Protection Network (SCCPN)

The Scottish Government Children and Families Analytical Service Unit conducted a review of both the MARS and the SCCPN with a view to informing future development and sustainability.

The aims of the review were to understand the effectiveness and impact of the MARS and the SCCPN activities to date (including any influence on national policy and local practice), and the extent towhich they are perceived to be providing good value for money.