Child Abuse Whistle Blowers’ Hotline Ringing Off The Hook

A whistle blowers’ hotline – launched by the Scottish Executive following the murder of Inverness five-year-old Danielle Reid – has already received 151 calls.

The response to the service, established by the Scottish Executive in February to make it easier for the public to report any concerns they may have about a child, emerged yesterday as new publicity material containing the freephone number (0800 022 3222) was launched.

Danielle’s grandmother welcomed the success of the initiative, which was a key recommendation of the inquiry into the young girl’s death. “I think it should make a difference,” said Catherine Gordon, of South Kessock. “If people can speak more easily to the authority and if they have an idea a child is at risk, the social worker can do something about it.”

Danielle died in November, 2002 after being assaulted and thrown down the stairs at her home in Argyle Street, Crown, by her mother’s boyfriend. Her body was put in a suitcase and thrown into the Caledonian Canal at the Muirtown Basin.

Lee Gaytor was jailed for life for Danielle’s murder, whilst her mother Tracy Reid was imprisoned for eight years for her involvement. A subsequent inquiry into the affair by Dr Jean Herbison found a lack of co-ordination between social work, health and education services and police.

It also identified serious gaps in the service provided to vulnerable and at risk children and made 68 recommendations on how child services could be improved, including the setting up of a national hotline.

Councillor Jimmy MacDonald (Scorguie), chairman of Highland Council’s Inverness and area social work committee, yesterday met staff and customers at Scotmid in Hilton. The corner shop chain is backing the publicity campaign and stocking the new booklets.

Councillor MacDonald spoke about spotting the signs of abuse and described the vulnerability of children as a real concern. “I think it is very important that people feel comfortable about passing on information,” he said. “This is trying to give the wider public confidence to make a phone call if they feel there is something not right, or there is something wrong, and not to be scared if they make a mistake.

“Sometimes young children are so traumatised or afraid and don’t complain themselves – and it can sometimes lead on to tragedies. All children deserve the best possible start in life but too many find their young lives blighted by abuse or neglect. For those vulnerable youngsters, it’s vital that they get help as soon as possible.”

He hoped the information would get to the heart of the communities. “Shoppers can take away one of our help booklets, which includes a fridge magnet with the child protection freephone number on. We would urge people to keep these on the fridge to call the number if they are ever concerned about a child whether it’s today, tomorrow or in the future.”

The setting up of the information line followed a successful pilot project and a commitment by the Children’s Charter – set up by the Scottish Executive in 2004 to promote the safety and well-being of children and young people – to provide the service.

The information line gives members of the public easy access to child protection services and the ability to share their concerns about a child with the most appropriate local agency.