Date: 07 July 2009 BROCKLEBANK WELCOMES CHILD PROTECTION INITIATIVE Fife’s social work, police and health board chiefs have agreed to new guidelines regarding child protection in the Kingdom. This comes after an alarming HMIe report showed that agencies involved in child protection had been unable to provide an adequate safeguard for some children who were at risk of abuse. If a child is now suspected as being at risk of abuse an inter-agency referral discussion will occur. The three agencies will share their information at these discussions and be able to make more informed decisions regarding the welfare of the child.
Commenting, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Ted Brocklebank, said;
“I welcome the news that Fife’s social work, police and health board chiefs have all agreed to a new protocol that will see them sharing information and having inter-agency discussions. This will hopefully enable earlier identification of children at risk of abuse and neglect.
“The recent HMIe report showed that Fife’s child protection services were not providing an effective safeguard to children at risk. Of the eighteen areas assessed by the inspectors, eight were deemed weak and only four were identified as having strengths. This is unacceptable and I am therefore pleased that swift action has been taken to address the weaknesses highlighted by the inspectors.
“I am sure that this new protocol will help improve the level of protection given to children at risk of abuse but this should only be the starting point. Work must continue to ensure that all children in Fife gain protection from harm and abuse.”
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