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 Commitees goes some way to addressing Scottish Executive concerns.
For further information contact us:
Development Officer
Perth & Kinross Child Protection Committee
Pullar House
35 Kinnoull Street
PERTH
PH1 5GD
Tel: 01738 476880
Email: childprotection@pkc.gov.uk
