Protecting children and young people: Child Protection Committee and Chief Officer responsibilities

Ministerial Foreword

As Minister for Children and Young People I am committed to ensuring that children and young people in Scotland are protected from neglect, abuse and harm. All children and young people have the right to be cared for and protected from harm, and to grow up in a safe environment in which their rights are respected.

Chief Officers have a pivotal role, both individually and collectively for the leadership, direction and scrutiny of child protection services. Child Protection Committees (CPCs) and partners are central to fostering an inter-agency approach and providing support for the development and delivery of processes, common standards, and continuous improvement. The clear ownership of child protection by Chief Officers helps to ensure that protecting children and young people remains a priority within and across agencies.

In 2005 guidance was published which clearly set out the expectations of key agencies, Chief Officers and CPCs. Through a consultation exercise with all CPCs in Scotland, this guidance has now been updated to ensure that it continues to be a relevant and valuable document. The guidance provides clarity of roles and lines of accountability for Chief Officers. It is their responsibility to implement in their local areas to ensure a clear, co-ordinated and unambiguous commitment and support in all areas of child protection across all agencies and bodies.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have actively and positively engaged with this process. Their commitment and contributions have proven invaluable, and will ensure that Chief Officers and CPCs have guidance to support the decisions and actions they take to protect children and young people.

Maree Todd
Minister for Children and Young People