Scottish Government

Published by the Scottish Executive, March 2007

ISBN 978 0 7559 1519 4 (Web only publication)

This document is also available in pdf format (280k)

Contents

1 Introduction
Purpose
Who the Guidance is for
The Status of an SCR Relative to Statutory Investigations

2 Criteria for Identifying Whether a Case is 'Significant'
Criteria
Definition of a Child

3The Initial Case Review ( ICR)
Stage One - Notification
Stage Two - Gathering of Further Information, if Required
Stage 3 - Taking a Decision on Whether or Not to Proceed to an SCR
A Note on Timescales
Record Keeping on ICRs
An Operational Protocol for Managing ICRs

4 The Child Protection Committee Decides Not to Proceed to a Significant Case Review
No Further Review Needed
No Further Review Needed, but Follow-Up Action Desirable

5 The Child Protection Committee Decides to Proceed to a Significant Case Review
The CPC Decides to Undertake an Internal SCR
The CPC Decides to Commission an External SCR

6 The Significant Case Review Process
Developing the Remit
Identifying the Review Team
Commissioning the Review Team
Resources
Managing the Process
Production, Handling and Delivery of the Report
Follow-Up Activity
Family/Carers or Significant Adults of the Child Involved
Staff

7 The Review Process: Communications Strategy
Who Needs to be Aware of the Review?
When will Information Become Available?
Media Handling

8 Significant Case Review & the Learning Cycle

9 Significant Case Review & the Wider Context

Annex 1: Inter-related Processes
Criminal Investigation
Unexplained Sudden Deaths
Fatal Accident Inquiry
Looked After Child Review

Annex 2: Initial Case Review Report Template

Annex 3: Template for Reporting Completed Initial Case Reviews

Glossary

Membership of the Working Group