New guidance aims to keep children safer

The most vulnerable children will be given greater protection under new measures announced by the Scottish Government yesterday.

The updated national guidance was issued following a wide-ranging review and public consultation of existing procedures.

It covers areas such as keeping children safe online, child trafficking and greater protection for unborn babies.

Children’s Minister Adam Ingram said: “There is no more important role for us all than keeping our children and young people safe and well.

“That is why we have introduced a raft of changes to strengthen Scotland’s child protection procedures, including the introduction of robust, multi-agency inspections to drive up standards, and the creation of a national centre of expertise at Stirling University on child protection.”

The new blueprint replaces guidance dating back to 1998. It expands on the range of organisations and professionals responsible for child protection, including those dealing primarily with adults, and gives advice to police, social workers and doctors on how and when to share information on potential risks.

The guidance lays down national timescales for conferences on child protection, making clear that they should be held as soon as possible and not later than 21 days after the notification of concern.

Unborn babies will be placed on the child protection register if deemed to be at risk.

Michelle Miller, president of the Association of Directors of Social Work, said the new guidelines provided additional clarity. She added: “Children across Scotland are all entitled to the same high standards of support and protection, and these national guidelines will facilitate a consistent approach in local areas.”

Martin Crewe, director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said the new guidance was an “important milestone”, updating and consolidating policy to ensure everyone understood what needed to be done to keep children safe.

He said: “It also addresses the ways in which children can be subjected to harm outwith the home, in particular the dangers of sexual exploitation and trafficking.”