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Minister comments on child protection figures
25/09/2007
Statistics on child protection in Scotland in 2006-07 were published today.
Commenting on the figures, Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram said:
"We owe it to children in Scotland to ensure that those at risk of neglect or abuse are protected. We must act quickly, effectively and collaboratively to get them help and support when they need it.
"The Scottish Government is determined to continue improving services for children at risk and the statistics published today show that action is being taken and having an impact.
"A number of measures - such as the tough multi-disciplinary HMIE joint child protection service inspections, the Child Protection Reform Programme and the strengthened Child Protection Committees - are helping to improve services for children in need.
"I believe child protection is everyone's business. Being on the Child Protection Register reduces the risks a child faces by making sure that services work together to meet the child's needs. The increased referrals to the Register tell us that more people understand this and are taking action to report their concerns, meaning that more children are in a position to get the help they need when they need it.
"We are committed to building on the progress already made and doing all we can to we ensure we protect all children from harm."