A PILOT scheme to provide round-the-clock care for elderly and vulnerable people in Aberdeenshire could be launched if it wins the approval of councillors.

Scotland’s care sector staff have been praised for demonstrating good practice in helping to comfort young people in distress – but improvements still need to made in other key areas to ensure quality of care is the best it can be.

SOCIAL work chiefs have been forced to apologise after a mix-up over a disabled woman’s records led to a drop in her standard of care.

Progress is being made to children’s services in Clackmannanshire following a highly critical report, inspectors have said.

Aberdeenshire Council has sacked a senior social worker following an investigation into the alleged theft of hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of goods earmarked for needy families and disabled children.

More than 20 crèche service staff have been awarded level two and three Scottish Vocational Qualifications in childcare learning and development.

A leading councillor is expected to face an inquiry by the public-sector watchdog over claims he helped award a £1m public contract to a firm of which he is a director without declaring an interest.

PERTH and Kinross Council’s fostering and adoption services have been praised by the Care Commission following a recent inspection.

Edinburgh city council faces growing pressure from groups angry that two children, aged four and five, are to be placed in the adoptive care of a gay couple, allegedly against their grandparents’ will.

Children at risk in Moray do not have adequate protection, according to a government report. Inspectors said they were not confident children at risk received the help and support they needed.