The Scottish Government

Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003

Two pre-legislative consultation papers were produced:

Protecting Children - Securing Their Safety was published in July 2000, ISBN 0748089977.

Protecting Children - Next Steps Towards Securing Their Safety was published in May 2001, ISBN 0755901029.

If you would like a paper copy of these consultation papers, please e-mail DWCL@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or call 0131 244 3735.

The Protection of Children (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 6 September 2002 and received Royal Assent on 19 March 2003.

The Act and its Explanatory Notes are available on the HMSO website. Printed versions of the Act and Explanatory Notes can be purchased from The Stationery Office Limited Tel 0870 600 5522 (ISBN 01059004788, cost £5.00 for the Act and ISBN 0105910414, cost £3.00 for the Explanatory Notes).

Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 Information Note - Disqualified from Working with Children was published in July 2003.

Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 Determination Regulations 2004 - Scottish Statutory Instrument 2004 No.523 is available on the HMSO website. Paper copies can be obtained from the Stationery Office Limited Tel: 0870 600 5522 (ISBN 0110693493, £3.00).

The revised referral form for use from 1 February 2008 is available here.

Disqualified from Working with Children List: Supplementary Information and Guidance was published in January 2008.

Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 Procedural Note - Determination Process was published in December 2004.

Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 - Guidance for Organisations was published in December 2004.

Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 (Disqualified from Working with Children List) A Guide and Training Pack for the Voluntary Sector was published and widely distributed in December 2004.

Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 Guidance for Individuals was published in March 2005

Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 Guidance to the Voluntary Sector on Who Needs to be Checked Against the Disqualified from Working with Children Lists was published in March 2005