Protecting Children in Scotland: An Investigation of Risk Assessment and Inter-Agency Collaboration in the Use of Child Protection Orders

Francis, J., McGhee, J. and Mordaunt, E. (2006) Protecting Children in Scotland: An Investigation of Risk Assessment and Inter-Agency Collaboration in the Use of Child Protection Orders. Project Report. Scottish Executive, Edinburgh.

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Publisher's URL: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/923/0038163.pdf

Abstract

The Scottish Executive Education Department sponsored the authors to undertake a study of the use of the child protection order in Scotland (sections 57-62 Children (Scotland) Act 1995). The order is based on stringent criteria and allows for the detention of a child in a place of safety where there are urgent concerns about a child’s wellbeing and protection. It arose in response to criticism of prior legislation that allowed for undue discretion in the grounds for removal (Scottish Office, 1992). Recent inquiries into the deaths or abuse of young children (e.g. Hammond 2001, Laming 2003, O’Brien, 2003, Scottish Executive 2005a) have indicated that there are ongoing concerns about limited inter-agency communication, information-sharing and collaboration and poor standards in risk assessment. The main aim of the study, therefore, was to examine issues of risk assessment, thresholds of intervention and inter-agency co-operation in the context of the operation of the child protection order. The study was conducted over a ten month period from January to October 2005. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were utilised and the research entailed three inter-related stages of data collection: a review of statistical data provided by the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA); a national survey of all Scottish local authorities; and interviews in three local authorities with a variety of social work practitioners and managers. Twenty-nine local authorities completed the survey and 25 interviews were conducted with social work staff in three local authorities. The key findings are set out below.

Item Type:Research Reports or Papers (Project Report)
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mordaunt, Dr Enid
Authors: Francis, J., McGhee, J., and Mordaunt, E.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Law
Publisher:Scottish Executive

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