Child Protection for Advocates

by Laura Porter, Solicitorwww.clanchildlaw.org

SIAA Conference 2015 12th November 2015

“All children and young people in Scotland have the right to be cared for and protected from harm and to grow up in a safe environment in which their rights and needs are respected. The welfare of children is paramount.”

Protecting Children and Young People: Framework for Standards 2004

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/03/19102/34603

Children (Scotland) Act 1995

• Welfare• Views• No Order

GIRFEC in Practice a Network of Support

Key Roles in Protecting Children

• Parents• Local Authority• Police• Health• Education• Voluntary Organisations

What is Child Abuse?

• Physical Abuse• Emotional Abuse• Sexual Abuse• Neglect• Significant Harm

Practicalities

• Confidentiality• Responding Appropriately

Procedures

• Child Protection Referral• Initial Assessment• Interagency Referral Discussions• Outcomes• Joint Investigative Interviews• Medical Assessments• Child Protection Case Conference

Legislation

• Children (Scotland) Act 1995• Children’s Hearing (Scotland) Act 2011

Legal Orders

• Compulsory Supervision Order (CSO)• Child Protection Order (CPO)• Child Assessment Order• Exclusion Order• Permanence Order• Adoption