Tackling child neglect in Scotland 3: rapid review of legislation and policy

Introduction

1. On 25 February 2016 the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Angela Constance, made a statement to Parliament announcing a programme of action on child protection. Scottish Government committed to reviewing policy, practice, services and structures of the current child protection system to identify what works well and what could be improved. The focus of the Programme is on processes and systems that underpin child protection in Scotland and tackling child neglect was identified as a high priority.

2. The Scottish Government is committed to building a fairer Scotland and tackling inequalities and recognises that achieving change will take time and will require collective effort and a shared vision of what a fair and equal Scotland should look like in the years to come. On 5 October 2016 Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities launched the Fairer Scotland Action Plan at the Princes Trust in Glasgow. The plan sets out five clear commitments to change Scottish society and make it a fairer and more equal place to live:

• A Fairer Scotland For All
• Ending Child Poverty
• A Strong Start For All Young People
• Fairer Working Lives
• A Thriving Third Age

3. The Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection, based at the University of Stirling, was commissioned by Scottish Government to undertake a rapid review of policy with a particular focus on child neglect to inform the Child Protection Improvement Programme.