Child Protection Committee
Introduction
Child Protection Committees (CPC's) are multi-agency bodies
established at local authority level throughout Scotland.
Membership is drawn from the main statutory agencies which have
responsibilities for protecting children, namely Social Work,
Education, Housing, Police, Health, Procurator Fiscal and Reporter
to the Children's Hearing (SCRA), and also representatives from the
voluntary sector. Committees can also invite contribution
from individuals with particular skills or expertise that would
enhance the functioning of the committee.
Legality
Child Protection Committees are not in themselves created on a
statutory basis but the roles and functions undertaken are
compliant with the national guidelines issued by the Scottish
Government. The committee operates in conjunction with the
Children Scotland Act 1995 and related guidance.
Content
Since the 1970's there have been a number of enquiries and
subsequent reports into the deaths of children or other serious
child related abuses. Each of these detailed reports have
highlighted the shortfalls of the systems that are set in place to
safeguard and protect the children in our society. There
appears to be a strong thread running through all these desperate
cases which suggests that there is a need for more refined
integrated practice, better liaison between local authority
agencies and developments within agencies and improved systems for
the recording and sharing of information.
The Response
In consequence of the above, a National Audit and Review of Child
Protection published in November 2002 a report entitled: "It's
everyone's job to make sure I am alright". This was a
comprehensive audit and report of child protection and child
protection practice across Scotland. Of its 17
recommendations, some relate specifically to Local Authorities and
their partner agencies. The creation and operational
functioning of Child Protection Committees goes some way to
addressing Scottish Executive concerns.
