Local Authorities Given Child Protection Guidance

A review of Scotland’s guidance to local authorities on child protection has been launched following a recent damning inspection report into services in Aberdeen.

Children’s Minister Adam Ingram yesterday revealed the move in the Scottish Parliament, describing the findings of the Aberdeen HMIE report as “deeply concerning”.

It comes as a cycle of inspection reports all over Scotland draws to a close, with a remedial action plan under way in Aberdeen since the summer.

Labour’s children’s spokeswoman, Rhona Brankin, criticised Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop for not appearing before the parliament herself and for not meeting with Aberdeen City Council.

Mr Ingram said the review will focus on evidence from the latest round of inspections and identify areas of “good practice” to be shared with all councils.

The government will chair the review with representatives from police, social work, the Crown Office and child protection committees completing the group which will convene in the New Year and report back to ministers throughout the year.

Mr Ingram said: “Scotland’s 30 child protection committees already undergo rigorous multi-agency inspections, allowing shortcomings to be identified early and action to be taken quickly.

“We saw this in action in relation to Aberdeen, where very worrying concerns were uncovered.”

He added: “However, the barbaric abuse suffered by Baby P in London, which has moved and horrified us all, reminds us why we must continue to ensure quick and effective support is put in place for all vulnerable children, and that all agencies involved in providing that support work together to ensure those children get the protection they need and deserve.

“The time is therefore right for us to conduct a review of child protection guidance, drawing on the positives as well as areas that need work – to assess how we can further improve the protection of Scotland’s children.”

While some opposition MSPs welcomed the review, others focused on the handling of the Aberdeen situation.

Rhona Brankin said: “With this coruscating report into child protection, anyone would think that Fiona Hyslop should have met with Aberdeen City Council as a bare minimum. She has not.

“This failure to get involved in one of the most serious failures in child protection in Scotland and is absolutely unbelievable.”

LibDem education spokeswoman Margaret Smith said: “I welcome the Education Secretary’s announcement that the government will support Liberal Democrat calls for a comprehensive review of child protection services in Scotland.

“It is vital that greater emphasis is placed on early intervention to identify possible children at risk before any harm is done.”