One in ten child protection orders in Scotland issued in Dundee

The Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration provided that in 2013/14, 79 children were the subjects of CPOs, while in 2014/15, 59 were issued.

CPOs are issued by sheriffs as a final measure when children are deemed to be at risk of “significant” harm.

In 2013/14, there were 734 CPOs issued – with about half coming from Dundee, Glasgow and Fife in the periods 2013/14 and 2014/15.

The reason CPOs were handed out in about 66 per cent of cases was lack of parental care.

Scottish Children’s Reporter manager for Tayside/Fife, Rosie Campbell said: “Over the last few years, Dundee has had the highest proportion of CPOs per 1,000 children in Scotland.

“We are also seeing more CPOs being granted for newborn babies, reflecting their greater vulnerability and requirement for immediate protection.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to make sure these children and their families receive the help they need.”

Peer worker at charity Eighteen and Under, Kieran Watson said various issues account for Dundee’s high numbers.

He said: “It may just be that Dundee leans more towards CPOs but there is also a big drug problem, which is also likely to play its part.

“If it’s the case that Dundee council has a more aggressive approach than other local authorities, that can cause problems.”

John Alexander, a councillor and Dundee’s children and young people champion, said: “An order is always sought in the best interests of the child and consideration is always given as to whether they can be placed with an appropriate relative.”