New Powers To Reform Children’s Services In Scotland

A consultation got under way today on plans to modernise and improve services for children in the draft Children’s Services (Scotland) Bill. The move is the latest stage in the Getting it Right for Every Child programme which was developed following a consultation on the future of the children’s hearings system.

The Bill aims to reduce the number of children inappropriately referred to the Children’s Reporter. In the past 10 years, the number of children referred has increased from 26,862 to 53,883. Most referrals are due to concerns about health and welfare.

The proposed legislation will:

• Place duties on agencies to work together to provide support for children and make a clear plan for children with complex needs
• Ensure the views of children and their families are taken into account when developing support plans
• Change the grounds of referral so that children are referred to the children’s hearings system only where this is necessary

Education Minister Hugh Henry said: “Every child deserves to get help when they need it. We are committed to reforming children’s services so that all children get the best possible start in life. We need to be confident that there are strong, professional and linked services to care for children, and that professionals are clear about their roles and responsibilities.

“We know that the children’s hearing system has dealt very effectively with both the needs and deeds of young people in Scotland for the past 30 years. Our consultation confirmed the system works and is respected. But reform is needed to cope with the challenges of children’s lives in the 21st century.

“The current level of referrals is not sustainable and too many children are going through the system as a way of accessing support and services. This slows everything down.

“These plans will make sure that agencies are alert to all children, they take action immediately and work together to provide help, without fuss or bureaucracy – so that children and young people can overcome any problems they may have and go on to fulfil their potential.”

The consultation on the draft Bill will run until 31 March 2007. The consultation is available online at www.scotland.gov.uk/childrensservicesbill