DISABLED people who yearn to use computers and other technology in their own homes to increase their independence are being left isolated because they cannot afford the equipment.

MILLIONS of pounds intended to help disabled children has “disappeared” into council funding pots rather than being spent on support and services, Scotland on Sunday has learned.

The Scottish Government has sent a letter to directors of social work and residential child care providers (see letter below) in relation to the registration of the residential child care workforce with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of showing a lack of interest in plans to close Scotland’s only respite care centre for multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferers.

OFFERS from private companies interested in developing care home sites in the Highlands – including Inverness – are being considered by council officials.

Few areas of the law require greater sensitivity in their handling than allegations of child sex abuse. Such cases, badly handled, can be devastating for the child and for the reputations of adults who may find themselves wrongly accused of a crime which carries a particularly acute social stigma.

THE most important action we can take for the protection of children is to listen. Not listen only to the parts you want to hear. Not listen in order to get them to say what you want or expect to hear. But genuinely listen.

A Dundee pensioners’ leader today slammed a “secretive” decision to close ahead of schedule a city hospital ward that cares for elderly people (writes Marjory Inglis, medical reporter).

A resource entitled C.O.D.Y. has been created to allow young people in care understand what the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Code of Practice for Social Service Workers means to them and the people who work with them. The innovative approach was developed by young people in Dundee and Glasgow.

Charities organising outdoor fundraising events in Scotland could be prosecuted and fined if they do not follow a new code of practice being drawn up by the environment quango Scottish Natural Heritage.