Revised Child Protection Guidelines and procedures have been drawn up by the Western Isles Child Protection Committee.

A meeting of over 20 professionals, from both the voluntary and statutory sectors, attended a meeting this week where the new guidelines were discussed.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Chief Executive Malcolm Burr, Chair of the  Multi Agency Child Protection Committee Chief Officer’s Strategy Group, said: “We are committed to improving children’s services and this review of Child protection guidelines and procedures will help to give professionals and others working in the field clear guidance and a framework within which to work. Recognising children who are at risk of harm, or who may have been harmed, and intervening effectively to protect them, must rank as the highest priority for all the agencies with responsibility for providing Children’s services. This review of guidelines takes clear recognition of the guidance and policies of the Scottish Executive and we will continue to work together in improving services for young people and children”.

Area Commander for Western Isles, Chief Inspector Murdo Fraser said: “As the Force’s representative on the Western Isles Child Protection Committee I have been involved in the review of inter-agency child protection procedures and guidelines.”

A number of national policy changes have come into effect since the guidelines were last reviewed. The revised guidelines have now been agreed which will bring them in line with the Scottish Executive’s Framework for Standards document (Protecting Children and Young People). 

“We are confident that the revised guidelines will ensure the Western Isles Child Protection Committee continues to provide children and young people with the protection and care they need.”

 Key elements of the revised guidance include clearer lines of communication between professionals and more emphasis on the necessity for professionals to share information. There is also more emphasis on multi-agency participation and the interests of children and parents.

 Dick Manson, Chief Executive of NHS Western Isles, said: “We as a board are very pleased to see the development of these inter-agency guidelines as child protection is a top priority for us all."

Seminars will be held throughout the islands to increase knowledge of the revised procedures and guidelines.

Guidelines and Procedures

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk