Child Protection Improvement Programme: equality impact assessment record

Stage 1: Framing

Results of framing exercise (set out here a summary of the initial findings of your framing exercise which helped identify existing evidence and potential impacts)

Existing evidence has been drawn from the findings of the Brock Report ^[1] and from the Care Inspectorate's Triennial Review. ^[2] Programme activity in relation to child neglect is predicated on pressing forwards with the delivery of priority findings of the 2012 Review of Child Neglect in Scotland. ^[3] The design of the programme has been informed by a period of consultation with senior leaders in the sector, furthermore the governance arrangements for the Programme have built in a continuous reporting and feedback cycle through our Communication Strategy. The Programme's internal advisory group encompasses policy professionals from across government, whilst the External Advisory Group comprises an extensive number of representatives from all areas of the sector.

We are actively working to be able to elicit the extant data and have commissioned new research in the area of child neglect. Analytical services colleagues will evaluate the extant data and are testing methods for effective analysis.

The research tells us that consistent investment in embedding the GIRFEC national policy agenda and promoting consistency in service delivery across Scotland will improve outcomes for our most vulnerable children and young people. Further, we know that consistent and quality service delivery requires providing tailored interventions and responses that address not only the symptoms but the root causes, this can only be achieved by maintaining a holistic approach to child wellbeing, as measured through the SHANARRI indicators.

Extent/Level of EqIA required (set out here your consideration of the extent/level of assessment required. Include any further evidence gathering and external engagement that is required to demonstrate that you are giving "due regard" to the equality duty of eliminating discrimination, promoting equality of opportunity and fostering good relations)

This EqIA will demonstrate that the Programme's management, design and implementation has given due regard to the needs of the public sector equality duty to eliminate discrimination and advance equality of opportunity for children who encounter any aspect of formal child protection systems in Scotland.

As this policy has direct implications for children and young people, a Children's Rights and Wellbeing Assessment will be prepared to identify any potentially negative impacts of the Programme and how they will be mitigated.