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.

A report into social work services in Falkirk has made 15 recommendations to improve the service. The Social Work Inspection Agency said the service and its staff had a good impact on the community, but said improvements could be made.

The women Frances Hunter works with are often facing a range of life’s challenges, from anxiety, depression or abuse, to mental health issues or dependence on drugs or alcohol.

Councillor Gerry Convery has officially opened the new community centre in Hamilton. The new £9 million Fairhill Civic Centre and Library replaces the old centre which was demolished almost two years ago to make way for the new high quality community, sports, daycare centre and library.

Parents living in a council housing scheme in Shetland demand urgent answers from Shetland Islands Council and the police after a paedophile was housed in the neighbourhood.

THERE is a risk child abuse may rise as economic gloom takes grip and local leaders have urged every resident in Perth and Kinross to help safeguard the county’s kids.

An investigation is under way after a man died in a fire at an Angus sheltered housing complex at the weekend. Police said the man, who was in his 50s and has not been named, died after being rescued at Blackfriars Court in Montrose.

Dr Kate Cavanagh was internationally renowned for her work in the areas of domestic violence and violence against children. She died on November 15, two years after she was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The number of Scots kids in care has soared to a 25-year high. Ministers and council chiefs yesterday admitted the system was failing as it was revealed most youngsters left with few qualifications and little hope of a job.

A teenager has been jailed for swearing and conducting himself in a disorderly manner at a homeless unit in Coatbridge.  Caray Wilson was sent to prison for four months after pleading guilty to committing a breach of the peace at Old School Court – less than two weeks after being granted bail from Airdrie Sheriff Court.