Scottish Government

ISBN 978 0 7559 9382 6(Web only publication)
DPPAS 10137

Contents

DRAFT NATIONAL GUIDANCE FOR CHILD PROTECTION IN SCOTLAND CONSULTATION

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Online Response Form

1. How to Respond to the Consultation
2. Summary of Guidance

Appendix A - Questions for Consultation
Appendix B - Respondent Information Form
Appendix C - The Scottish Government Consultation Process
Appendix D - Consultation List

NATIONAL GUIDANCE FOR CHILD PROTECTION IN SCOTLAND
Draft for Public Consultation: 1 June - 17 September 2010

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MINISTERIAL FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION
Purpose of the Guidance
Who is the Guidance for?
Content of the Guidance
The Guidance in Context

PART 1 - THE CONTEXT FOR CHILD PROTECTION
Key Definitions and Concepts
Who is a Child?
Parents and Carers
What is Child Abuse and Child Neglect?
What is Child Protection?
The Concepts of Harm and Significant Harm
Risk
The Child's Plan and the Lead Professional
The Child Protection Register

Principles and Standards for Child Protection
Core Principles
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Children's Charter
Framework for Standards
Equality and Diversity

Information-sharing and Recording
General Principles of Information-sharing
Confidentiality and Consent
Recording and Analysing Information
Storage and Retention of Records

Legislation
Duties to Protect
Over-arching Legislation
Other Relevant Legislation

PART 2 - ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CHILD PROTECTION
Collective Responsibilities for Child Protection
Local Communities and the General Public
Child Protection Committees
Chief Officers' Groups
Child Protection Committee Arrangements
Functions of a Child Protection Committee

Single Agency Responsibilities for Child Protection
Public/Statutory Services
Local Authority Social Work Services
Police
Health Services
Addiction Services
Education Services
Other Local Authority Services
Scottish Children's Reporter Administration
Procurator Fiscal Services
Other Community and Related Services
Third Sector
Faith Organisations
Independent and Private Schools
Carers looking after Children away from Home

Leadership and Staff Development in Child Protection
Promoting a Collaborative Approach
Performance Management and Quality Assurance
Staff Supervision and Support
Inter-agency Training and Development
Learning Communities

Wider Planning Links
Planning Context
Public Protection
MAPPA
Domestic Abuse
Adult Support and Protection
Alcohol and Drug Partnerships
Transition Planning

PART 3 - IDENTIFYING AND RESPONDING TO CONCERNS ABOUT CHILDREN
Identifying and Managing Risk
The Nature of Risk
Identifying Vulnerabilities and the Need for Risk Assessment
Identification and Management of Risk
Handling Risks
Risk Assessment Skills Set

Responding to Concerns about Children
Recognition of Abuse
Sharing Concerns and Initial Information-gathering
Emergency Legal Measures to Protect Children at Risk
Joint Investigation
Involving Children and Families
Medical Examination and Assessment
Criminal Prosecution of Alleged Perpetrators of Abuse or Neglect
Child Protection Case Conferences
Child Protection Plan
Core Groups
Summary

PART 4 - CHILD PROTECTION IN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES
Indicators of Risk
Domestic Abuse
Parental Substance Misuse
Disability
Non-engaging Families
Children and Young People Experiencing Mental Health Problems
Parental Mental Illness
Problem Sexual Behaviour in Children and Young People
Female Genital Mutilation
Honour-based Violence and Forced Marriage
Fabricated or Induced Illness
Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy and Children

Harm outside the Home or in Specific Circumstances
Ritual Abuse by Organised Networks or Multiple Abusers
Child Trafficking
Historical Allegations of Abuse
Children who are looked after away from Home
Online Child Safety
Children who place Themselves at Risk
Children who are Missing
Under-age Sexual Activity
Armed Services
Bullying

Appendices
Table of Suggested Timescales
Useful Links Referenced in the Guidance