Child Protection - Scottish Context

The Scottish government is responsible for child protection in Scotland. It sets out policy, legislation and statutory guidance on how the child protection system should work.

Child Protection Committees (CPCs) are responsible for child protection policy, procedure, guidance and practice at the local authority level. CPCs make sure that all the different local agencies, such as children's social work, health services and the police, work together to protect children.

The key guidance for anyone working in Scotland is Scottish Government (2014) National Guidance for child protection in Scotland.

Scotland specific Legislation

• Children (Scotland) Act 1995
• Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007
• Sexual offences (Scotland) Act 2009
• Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011
• Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
• Digital Economy Act 2017
• Limitation (Childhood Abuse) (Scotland) Act 2017

GIRFEC - Getting it Right for Every Child

Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) is the Scottish government's approach to making a positive difference for all children and young people in Scotland. Its principles help shape all policy, practice and legislation that affects children and their families. It provides a consistent way for people to support and work with all children and young people in Scotland. It aims to improve outcomes for children and make sure that agencies work together to take action when a child is at risk or needs support.

GIRFEC says children should be:

• Safe
• Healthy
• Achieving
• Nurtured
• Active
• Respected
• Responsible
• Included

These are remembered by the acronym SHANARRI as per the diagrams below.