Child protection

This report sets out proposals from the Expert Group on Preventing Sexual Offending Involving Children and Young People to improve prevention and early intervention in response to harmful sexual behaviour involving children and young people.

Updated guidance (2020) for local authorities and health boards on exercising the functions conferred by Part 3 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.

Review of Advance Payment Scheme.

This review of the Advance Payment Scheme considered a range of issues over the first five months of the scheme’s operation.

Dedicated counselling service for pupils.

Our response to the consultation analysis report on the current statutory guidance which supports Part 3 (Children's Services Planning) of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.

This report analyses the responses to the consultation asking for views on proposals to modernise the criminal offence of child cruelty, set out in section 12 of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937. We also asked for views on whether the definition of a ‘position of trust’ in section 42-45 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 should be extended.

Analytical report for the consultation on children services planning guidance.

Views sought to shape legislation.

This consultation seeks views on the detailed design of a statutory financial redress scheme in Scotland, scheme administration issues, and views on financial redress as part of a package of wider reparations for survivors of historical child abuse in care.

This consultation seeks views on the detailed design of a statutory financial redress scheme in Scotland, scheme administration issues, and views on financial redress as part of a package of wider reparations for survivors of historical child abuse in care.

A consultation on the implementation of Section 11 of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015: the appointment and role of independent child trafficking guardians.

Payments made to survivors of abuse in care over 70.

Scottish Government response to the consultation report on the Protection of Vulnerable Groups and Disclosure of Criminal Information.

Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the new Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill.

Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for the new Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill.

Consultation on Scotland’s first clinical pathway. 

Advance payment scheme opens.

The latest data on children and young people looked after, on the child protection register and in secure care.

Guidance outlining Child Protection Committee and Chief Officer responsibilities for protecting children and young people.

This toolkit provides resources to enable survivor support organisations become more sustainable.

The simplified summary report on responses to the recent consultation on proposals for change to the disclosure regime in Scotland.

Inquiry given more time to ensure survivors’ voices are heard.

A rapid review of the literature relating to programmes, approaches and interventions with children in Scotland who may be experiencing neglect, undertaken by academics at the University of Stirling.

A rapid review of legislation and policy with a particular focus on child neglect in Scotland, conducted by academics at the University of Stirling.

Changes proposed for those working with vulnerable people.

These documents set out the Scottish Government's vision of how we protect Scotland’s children and young people.

Improved rights for children with additional support needs.

Independent advice on information sharing.

End to automatic time-bar against civil actions for childhood abuse.

Promoting child-friendly justice.

New report shows gaps in support

Record of assessments of the Child Protection Improvement Programme, testing how the programme would affect our aims for equality.

Assessment of how the Child Protection Improvement Programme affects the rights and wellbeing of children and young people.

Review into death of Liam Fee

Debate on removing the three year time bar to seeking justice.

National action plan on internet safety.

Refreshed action plan on internet safety for children and young people to ensure appropriate training, support and information is in place.

Guidelines for health practitioners on identifying and responding to a child or young person who may be at risk of or affected by sexual exploitation.

Legislation planned to support children and their families.

Emotional abuse and neglect will be a criminal offence.

Report on the key messages and next steps of the Child Protection Improvement Programme.

Minister for Childcare and Early Years Mark McDonald MSP delivers a speech on improving Scotland's child protection systems.

Glenn Houston resigns from panel

Clarification to Inquiry remit and redress consultation as Limitation Bill lodged.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP delivers a speech to Scottish Parliament on the progress of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

Key considerations that should inform all professionals’ and agencies' interpretations of their responsibilities in relation to child sexual exploitation.

Terms of reference for our review of child protection committees, registers and case conferences, and initial and significant case reviews.

Update on progress since the publication of both the national action plan and 'Safeguarding Scotland’s vulnerable children from child abuse'.

Guidance on how to support children and young people to make informed decisions on matters which influence their lives.

Notes for all practitioners including those working in: children and family social work; health; education; residential care; early years; youth services; youth justice; police; independent and third sector; and adult services who might be supporting parents with disabled children or involved in the transition between child and adult services.

Provides a framework for agencies and practitioners at local level to agree processes for working together to safeguard and promote child wellbeing.