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1 - Introduction and policy background
Introduction
1.1 In June 2006 the Scottish Executive published its implementation plan for Getting it right for every child. This set out our approach to reform of services for children in three areas - practice change, removing barriers and legislation. That reform approach is part of our wider public service reform agenda, which seeks to join up services around the needs of services users, strengthen accountability, and drive up quality and efficiency.
1.2 Through the Children and Young People Delivery Group, Ministers are already driving forward a series of priority workstreams designed to improve the integration and quality of children's services - i.e. the Integrated Children's Services Planning Framework, the Quality Improvement Framework for Integrated Children's Services, integrated assessment and information sharing, joint inspections and workforce development. Implementation of the child-centred approach set out in Getting it right for every child will help develop and reinforce these priorities.
1.3 The draft Bill is intended to support this wide programme of reform and to place the child at the centre of service provision in Scotland. It affects all agencies and services who provide care and support for children and their families. This includes local authorities, police, NHS Scotland and voluntary sector organisations. It also impacts on services to adults who are parents where support for the adult may improve outcomes for children.
Contents of this document
1.4 Chapter 2 of this document provides more detail on the programme of reform taking place for Getting it right for every child. This will allow the draft Bill to be seen in context of these developments.
1.5 Chapter 3 of this document discusses in more detail the various consultations which have been undertaken on Getting it right for every child.
1.6 Chapter 4 sets out the main themes arising from consultation responses and how they have influenced development of the draft Bill. The written comments on these consultations have been lodged with the Scottish Executive library and all - except those submitted in confidence - may be viewed on request.
1.7 Chapter 5 identifies aspects of the draft Bill and some other issues on which comment is particularly sought.
1.8 Chapter 6 is the draft Bill itself, with Explanatory Notes.
1.9 Chapter 7 is the draft partial Regulatory Impact Assessment.
1.10 Chapter 8 explains how consultation on the draft Bill and the new proposals will work and how comments should be submitted.
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