Child protection system to undergo government review

A comprehensive review of the child protection system is being commissioned by the Scottish government.

In a statement to Parliament, Education Secretary Angela Constance said the review will strengthen the steps taken when children have experienced, or are at risk from, harm.

This will be backed by increased scrutiny through a revised inspection programme, a review of child protection legislation, steps to promote and support leadership and action to address the impact of neglect on children.

Ms Constance also announced funding for the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland for child protection work.

Ms Constance said: “We have much to be proud of in the way we care for our children, but I want to make sure the systems to protect them when they are at risk are as robust as possible and able to act when harm has taken place.

“We already have child protection committees in every local authority area, we have modernised the children’s hearings system and we have invested in professional development for all those working with vulnerable children and families.

“But we want to do more – that’s why I am now announcing a review of the elements that make up the child protection system. We will also look at legislation covering children at risk of neglect or abuse to see if it needs strengthened and will bring in more focused inspections and robust scrutiny.

“We are taking action now to protect our most vulnerable young people. I am determined to have the strongest possible system in place to protect children effectively, efficiently and with their best interests at its heart.”

Alistair Gaw, president of Social Work Scotland, said: “Social workers across this country will tell you that tackling child neglect is fundamental to protecting children. Tackling neglect gets to the underlying issues which can increase the risk of child abuse: poverty, inequality, the impact of alcohol, drugs, mental illness, violence and domestic abuse on children’s lives.

“A focus on neglect would not diminish our responsibility to promote better practice around child sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse or child sexual exploitation; nor would this focus be a panacea to tackle all types of harm to children. Neglect however should be of equal priority for the Scottish Government.

“It is right that neglect is a clear strand in the government’s plan for child protection. We are delighted that the government has made a clear commitment to support social workers in the challenging, complex but essential work they do with families and their children to support them towards positive and nurturing relationships.”