legislation

This paper sets out the government's proposals for improving the quality of social work services provided, offering better safeguards for those being cared for and strengthening professional standards. Two key proposals of this document: Creation of a new body - the Scottish Social Services Council - which will register the workforce, put in place a code of conduct and standards to support them, raise professional and training standards, and so raise service standards.

This paper proposes the setting of final dates for achievement of registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for social workers and social service workers through the introduction of the Regulation of Care (Fitness to Employees for Employment in Care Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2008.

The legislation applies to full and part time workers, not to volunteers or workers in seasonal services.

This statistics publication provides information on applications to local authorities for assistance under the homeless persons legislation covering the period to 31 March 2008.

It includes information on the characteristics of applicant households, local authority assessments and the action taken in respect of cases concluded. Snapshot data on households in temporary accommodation at 31 March are presented, together with data on the implementation of the Homeless Persons (Unsuitable Accommodation) (Scotland) Order 2004.

Act that sets out the notification requirements for sexual offenders in the UK and for those who have committed sexual offences outside the UK. Sex offenders are required to register their address or any change of address with the police.

This Act lays down the statutory requirements and responsibilities of parents, guardians, local authorities and other bodies in the welfare and protection of children. This includes children's hearings, adoption, protection and supervision.

This is the fourth 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 4 contains a bibliography of relevant legislation and circulars; references relevant to the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 as a whole; and references which relate to individual parts of the Regulations and Guidance. Also included is a complete index to all four volumes.

This legislation sets out the purpose, functions and members of key bodies within the criminal justice service such as the National Criminal Investigation Services; the National Crime Squad and the Police Information Technology Organisation. The Act also sets out the appointment of Information Commissioners in respect of 'property', certification of criminal records and identity checking such as the disclosure process.

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 ASP Act was passed by the Scottish Parliament in February 2007.

Part 1 of the Act requires councils to make enquiries to determine whether action is required to stop or prevent harm; requires specified public bodies to co-operate with councils; introduces a range of protection orders; and makes provision for the establishment of local multi-agency adult protection committees.