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Raising child protection standards
11/02/2009
A new cycle of targeted child protection inspections aimed at driving up standards in struggling areas has been unveiled.
Scotland's child protection services will now undergo more focussed and proportionate checks, meaning areas with shortcomings get more in-depth inspections.
Children's Minister Adam Ingram, who today chaired the first meeting of a group reviewing Scotland's child protection guidance, said:
"Scotland's young people are our future and no child should ever have to suffer the trauma of neglect or abuse as they grow up.
"We all have a duty to ensure fast, effective protection is in place for children at risk and these new checks will help ensure that is delivered.
"Scotland's child protection systems have undergone a substantial reform programme and inspections have given us the most comprehensive picture ever of how services are performing on the ground.
"We know where the biggest improvements are needed which is why these new tough multi-agency inspections will be more targeted. Areas that have the most work to do will go through more extensive checks, ensuring good progress is being made.
"There are successes from across the country which can be learned from with areas like Inverclyde, West Lothian, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire proving what can be achieved.
"As we review Scotland's child protection guidance to further improve our services to vulnerable children, these new checks will help ensure improvements are happening where they are needed most."
HMIE Senior Chief Inspector Graham Donaldson said:
"I welcome the Minister's request to HMIE to lead a second proportionate cycle of joint inspections of child protection services across Scotland.
"The current cycle had demonstrated variability in outcomes for children and has lead to improvements in how well children are protected and their needs met.
"The second cycle will retain the rigour and integrity of the current inspections. Inspections will be more proportionate, focussing on those Council areas where improvement is most needed and will continue to identify and share good practice."
Mr Ingram today chaired the first meeting of an expert group that is reviewing child protection guidance in Scotland. It is due to report to Ministers within a year.
The new cycle of joint inspections - to be carried out by HMIE and its partners - is due to begin from April 2009. Ministers have asked HMIE to submit detailed proposals by the end of March 2009 on the timing, scope, form and focus of the next inspection cycle. Ministers also expect Scottish Government officials to work with Cosla, HMIE, SWIA and other partners in developing options for the wider inspection of children's services in the future.
A three year child protection reform programme which substantially strengthened Scotland's 30 Child Protection Committees was implemented following the independent review of child protection services in Scotland in 2002, "It's Everyone's Job to Make Sure I'm Alright".
The reform programme also led to a tough new multi-agency inspection regime, led by HMIE, which is systematically inspecting child protection services in every local authority area in Scotland. The inspection cycle is due to complete in March 2009, with the final report published in September 2009.