government publication

Parental substance misuse can result in a considerable number of negative effects on the family. However, it is incredibly hard to calculate how many children and other family members might be affected. There is also growing evidence that some children appear to be more resilient than others to the negative impact of parental substance misuse. There is a need to investigate how these general statements relate to parental substance misuse across Scotland, a topic that has been given priority status by the Scottish Executive, and other key organisations.

Scottish Government evaluation of how Parenting Orders have been used by local authorities and Community Health Partnerships.

The Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 introduced Parenting Orders as part of a three-year pilot scheme. Parenting Orders introduced, for the first time, the potential for compulsory measures over parents and were designed to support those who refused to engage with voluntary support services to improve their parenting where this was considered seriously deficient.

Report that presents the findings of a study of the workforce and employment issues surrounding Self-Directed Support (SDS) carried out by Reid Howie Associates for the Scottish Government between March and September 2009.

Self-Directed Support (SDS) provides funding for people to arrange support to meet some, or all of their assessed community care needs, instead of receiving services directly provided by a public body. Most people use the money to employ a personal assistant (PA) and/or to buy support from a service provider.

This framework complements the Early Years Framework, and Equally Well, the report of the Ministerial Taskforce on Health Inequalities, all of which taken together form a coherent approach to addressing disadvantage in Scotland. This framework builds on the good work already underway across Scotland and illustrates progress with actions in support of our shared objectives.

This report gives the Scottish Government's response to the Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse-Essential Care Working Group Report 'Essential Care: a report on the approach required to maximise opportunity for recovery from problem substance misuse in Scotland'.

This response addresses each of the 15 recommendations, outlining both current and planned action by the Government and its delivery partners.

Document presenting estimates of the proportion and number of children, working age adults and pensioners living in low income households in Scotland. It also reports progress made towards hitting UK and Scottish Government targets on reducing poverty.

Document reporting on the progress made since the launch of the Scottish Government's Plan for Action on Alcohol Problems in 2002.

It also lays out a three-year programme of action to change drinking cultures and reduce alcohol-related harm by government action, partnership working and promoting individual responsibility.

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.

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'.

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?