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The Main Report
Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION
Background
In December 2006 the Scottish Executive published a consultation document on the proposed draft Children's Services (Scotland) Bill. The Bill was seen as part of the implementation of the Getting it right for every child programme of reform of services for children including proposed changes following the previous Administration's review of the Children's Hearings system.
The draft Bill was intended to provide a legal underpinning to support a programme of reform and to place the child at the centre of service provision in Scotland. It included proposed duties which were intended to affect all agencies and services who provide care and support for children and their families. This includes local authorities, police, NHSScotland and voluntary and private sector organisations. It also includes services to adults who are parents where support for the adult may improve outcomes for children.
The draft Bill was also intended to put in place laws which give a key role to the child and their family in decision making.
The consultation
The Draft Children's Services (Scotland) Bill consultation was published on 19 December 2006. The consultation was announced by a press release and consultation documents were distributed to organisations and individuals including NHS bodies, councils, Sheriffs' offices, Scottish courts and legal bodies, relevant voluntary organisations, and those involved in the Children's Hearings system in either professional or voluntary capacity. Copies were sent to those people who had responded to the consultation on Getting it right for every child: proposals for action in June 2005. Documents were also handed out at numerous events during the consultation period. In total 5300 hard copies of the document were produced and circulated. The consultation was also placed on the Scottish Executive website at www.scotland.gov.uk/childrensservicesbill.
Aims and objectives of this report
The main aim was to provide a synopsis of responses received to the consultation process on the Draft Children's Services (Scotland) Bill consultation. Fifteen specific questions were asked on the draft Bill as part of the consultation. Seven questions were asked on issues of additional policy or legislation. An additional question also asked for general comments on the document and the process of consultation. Interpretation and analysis of the responses received was conducted in respect of each of the questions asked as part of the consultation.
Interpretation of this report
This report is essentially a presentation of the views of respondents, sorted by question and summarised as accurately and faithfully as possible. It does not purport to make any judgments about where the balance of argument lies, or make any recommendations about changes to the draft Bill.
A note on numbers quoted
While every effort has been made to provide accuracy in the information presented, it should be noted that where a number of respondents have been quoted as backing up a particular point, the number quoted should be taken as indicative rather than precise. This is because, where substantive comments are provided, there will always be issues of interpretation, which may have an impact on the complete accuracy of the figures provided.
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