Child Protection

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

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.

Drugs in the family : the impact on parents and siblings : full report

This report is about the ways in which problem drug use affects the family from the point of view of parents and siblings. It is about the difficulties that families confront in trying to respond to, and cope with, the changes that drug problems bring about for sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. Also, when drugs come into the family there is the danger that other siblings might become involved in problem drug use, further adding to family problems.

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.

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'.

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.