Getting Our Priorities right - Consultation Analysis

This report provides an analysis of responses to the Scottish Government’s

Consultation on the refreshed “Getting Our Priorities Right” (GOPR) guidance for

practitioners working with children and families affected by substance misuse.


1. INTRODUCTION

About this report

1.1 This report provides an analysis of responses to the Scottish Government's Consultation on the refreshed "Getting Our Priorities Right" practice guidance for practitioners working with children and families affected by substance misuse. The report provides a detailed analysis of responses to each of the consultation questions; identifies where particular views can be ascribed to specific groups of respondents; and summarises more general comments expressed.

Background to the consultation

1.2 The Scottish Government originally issued the "Getting Our Priorities Right" guidance in 2003. It was produced as part of a package of support to help improve the lives of children affected by substance misuse. The original guidance provided practical advice for practitioners working with children and families affected by substance misuse.

1.3 Over the past decade, the landscape in which practitioners work to support children affected by substance misuse has changed considerably. There have been a number of policy developments which strongly emphasise the need for early intervention, joined up working and a 'whole family' approach to working with children. Key policy developments include:

  • Getting it Right for Every Child - This important policy framework clearly sets out Scotland's aims for children and young people as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. It emphasises the importance of taking early action to avoid problems occurring, and working jointly to provide seamless services for children and families.
  • Christie Commission - This Commission was set up in 2010 to review the future of public services in Scotland. It re-emphasised the importance of early intervention, joined up working and working with service users to develop solutions to problems. This complemented the recovery agenda approach to tackling substance misuse, which emphasised the whole family approach to recovery, supported by ongoing joined up working between local services.
  • The Scottish Government has introduced a clear focus on outcomes - with national and local performance measured in relation to the difference it makes to people's lives, rather than the processes involved in making these changes come about.

1.4 In addition, new National Child Protection Guidance was published in December 2010; local partners, including communities, have been supported to establish Alcohol and Drug Partnerships; and strategies, policies and practices in related areas such as mental health, young carers and information sharing have developed over the past 10 years.

1.5 As the "Getting Our Priorities Right" practice guidance requires to be up to date with the policy, legal and practical context in which practitioners operate officials and practitioners have been working to update the guidance since 2011. The draft guidance has been developed by practitioners for practitioners.

1.6 The consultation on the refreshed "Getting Our Priorities Right" practice guidance ran from July to September 2012. This report provides an analysis of the written responses to the consultation.

Contact

Email: Graeme Hunter

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