local government

Annual report on crime and the impact of youth justice services in Glasgow for the period of 2009/10.

This report was commissioned by the Scottish Government as a result of concerns raised by the diversion working group of the Pre-Disposal Programme Implementation Board. The numbers of cases diverted from prosecution have fallen in recent years (2006 onwards) and it was felt there was a need to investigate the issue further.

To facilitate this, the Scottish Government requested that the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR) undertake a small-scale research study on the use of social work related diversion schemes by Procurators Fiscal in Scotland.

In 2009, the LGiU’s Children’s Services Network set up a special project in partnership with Practical Participation and other specialists to work with representatives from 30 local authorities. The project has provided useful insights into the mass phenomenon of social networking sites and the
opportunity they present for engaging young people in democratic activity.

Website resource of Joseph Rowntree Foundation research reports. Resources range from education, training and employment, housing and communities and social problems, to health and care, involvement and engagement, and arts, culture and technology.

A HMIE report published in June 2008 which aims to help local authorities and partner agencies to improve educational outcomes for looked after children. It draws on information from other publications including Learning with Care, Extraordinary Lives and We Can and Must Do Better.

Following the launch of the Scottish Government’s new policy and action plan for mental health improvement (MHI) for 2009-11, Towards a Mentally Flourishing Scotland an event was held to support the implementation. The meeting brought together key national agencies and partners with responsibility for mental health improvement, together with senior officials from the Scottish Government, local government and the NHS.

Paper examining the concept of agility and what it might mean for government. It looks at the characteristics of agile organisations and how these might translate to the public sector environment. It argues that government must become more agile in order to respond to changing citizen needs.

Aberdeen Council presents information about children's rights, as well as a list of useful contacts.

Aberdeenshire Council presents information about adoption. It promotes non-discriminatory practices in all its services and seeks individuals or couples from a variety of backgrounds who can make a permanent commitment to a child or children who need a new family for life.