Significant Case Review

Commenting on the Significant Case Review into the death of Liam Fee, Minister for Childcare and Early Years Mark McDonald said:

“Liam’s death was an appalling tragedy, and his murderers – who should have loved and protected him – have rightly been brought to justice for their actions. This review reflects the collective responsibility of public services to continue doing all they can to prevent other children falling victim to such crimes.

“We will carefully consider the implications of the review and explore how the national recommendations can be delivered.

"We are already working with local agencies and through Parliament to strengthen how statutory agencies and children’s services work together to identify and respond early to concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. As part of our Child Protection Improvement Programme, we have reviewed the formal child protection system, established a programme of action to address neglect, set up a National Group to support, strengthen and improve activity on child protection and we will publish a National Child Protection Policy.

"All children and young people have the right to be cared for and protected from harm. Child protection is a duty shared amongst all of us in society, not just professionals and public agencies.  We all have a role to play in keeping children safe".

Background

The Child Protection Improvement Programme includes a review of the child protection systems which was independently chaired by Catherine Dyer (Former Crown Agent and Chief Executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service). Catherine Dyer’s review, alongside a report on the Child Protection Improvement Programme as a whole, was published on 2 March 2017 and we have accepted all the recommendations and actions.

The Review recommended the establishment of a National Child Protection Leadership Group to provide strategic oversight and mechanisms for improvement for child protection across Scotland.  The Leadership Group, which is being chaired by the Minister for Childcare and Early Years, will meet for the first time on 22 June.