Failings in Clackmannanshire Council’s children’s services have been criticised by education inspectors. The HMIe review comes after a 12-month inspection was carried out to determine the level of care offered to vulnerable youngsters in the area.

Council leader Janet Cadenhead admitted a “less than adequate” service had been provided in the past. She blamed the department’s failings on low staffing levels and insisted the service was now improving. The report assessed services between March 2006-2007.

During the period of inspection, staffing levels within the department reportedly fell to as low as 30% – at one point 12 out of 18 social worker posts were vacant.

The limited staff numbers resulted in a reduced service for those in the greatest need. The council said its child care service was now fully staffed and that staff morale was improving.

It also insisted best practice was being developed and that there had been significant investment in staff training.

A Scottish truth and reconciliation forum is to be set up to support adults who suffered childhood abuse, initially focusing on the needs of survivors of historic abuse in residential care.
 
The move was among a package of support for adult survivors of abuse committed while they were children in care announced by Children’s Minister Adam Ingram today.

In a move which sets out the Scottish Government’s commitment to confront the past abuse of children in residential care, Mr Ingram unveiled plans for:

– A Scottish truth and reconciliation model
– A national service framework to support survivors of historic in-care abuse
– Improvements to the residential child care system, including better staff training and development
– A review of the law to address shortcomings in public records held on children in care
– The specific remit of the joint Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council inquiry into abuse at Kerelaw residential school.