ChildProtection. Perth & Kinross. Annual Report &Business Plan

Transcription

1 ChildProtection Perth & Kinross Annual Report &Business Plan

2 Draft Preface We are pleased to present the second Annual Report and Business Plan of the Perth & Kinross Child Protection Committee. The report sets out the wide range of work which has been undertaken by partner agencies in the past year to evaluate, strengthen and develop services to protect children and young people in Perth and Kinross. Significant achievements include wide ranging campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness about child protection and what to do if you have concerns about the safety of a child. A range of training has continued to develop and be provided to staff. Inter-Agency Child Protection Guidelines have been finalised and widely disseminated and the Child Protection Committee has undertaken an important self evaluation of child protection practice in order to inform and improve our work of delivering better outcomes for children and their families. The Child Protection Committee Business Plan for details planned developments in the coming year. As Chief Officers, we continue to meet our accountabilities and responsibilities for the protection of children and young people through the Child Protection Strategic Partnership which comprises key partners including Scottish Children s Reporter Administration (SCRA) and the Procurator Fiscal Service. We are committed to actively working together as the body to which the Child Protection Committee reports, to support and strengthen the Committee and to evaluate progress against agreed objectives throughout the year. An important development in will be a broadening role for the Child Protection Strategic Partnership to provide strategic leadership and direction for integrated children s services including child protection. This will ensure that services to protect children are clearly set within the context of the local and national policy agendas with focus on prevention, developing potential and building capacity. We endorse the contents of this report. Bernadette Malone John Vine Tony Wells Chief Executive Chief Constable Chief Executive Perth & Kinross Council Tayside Police NHS Tayside

3

4 Contents Page Introduction 5 What has been Happening in Perth and Kinross 7 Evaluation and Inspection 9 Management Information 11 Child Protection Register 11 Child Protection Referrals 11 Child Protection Registration and Substance Misuse 12 Compulsory Measures for Care and Protection 12 Statistical Data - Trends and Comparators 13 Fulfilling the Functions of the Child Protection Committee 19 Strategic Planning 21 Planning and Connections 21 Communications and Co-operation 22 Listening and Involving Young People 23 Continuous Improvement 25 Multi-Agency Guidelines for Professional Staff 25 Sharing Information About Children at Risk 25 Unborn Baby Protocol 25 Children Missing from Education 25 Recording 25 Police Force Policy 25 Parental Substance Misuse 26 Agency Procedures 26 Management Information 26 Quality Assurance 26 Promotion of Good Practice 26 Training and Staff Development 27 Public Information 29

5 Key Challenges for the Coming Year 31 Business Plan Strategic Planning 33 Continuous Improvement 37 Public Information 39 Appendix I Perth & Kinross Child Protection Committee 41 Partnership Agreement and Constitution Appendix II Training Sub Group - Remit and Objectives 46 Appendix III Systems Sub Group - Remit and Objectives 47 Appendix IV Vulnerable Witness Sub Group 49 Appendix V Voluntary Sector Child Protection Forum 52 Appendix VI Communications Plan 53 Appendix VII Multi-Agency Structures for Child Protection in Perth and Kinross 57 Appendix VIII Perth & Kinross Child Protection Committee 58 Appendix IX Resources 60 Glossary of Terms 62 Page

6 Introduction Over the past year we reviewed the membership of the Child Protection Committee (CPC) and it has been strengthened by the inclusion of a representative from the Independent Schools sector. In addition, a self evaluation of Child Protection practice was undertaken in the early part of this year and this has significantly informed our work and partnership to improve services for the protection of children and young people in Perth and Kinross. The CPC meets quarterly and organises an additional annual development day for all members to consider and review its operational practices. The Business Plan section of this report reflects the priorities agreed upon. The most significant change is the incorporation of the Annual Report & Business Plan into the Integrated Children s Services Plan (ICSP). The ICSP for Perth and Kinross establishes a strategic agenda for improving local services for children and young people. The ICSP in turn has to ensure it is tied into the Community Plan for the area. The Community Plan has as part of its role responsibility to focus on: reducing deprivation through Area Based Initiatives; ensuring services for children are in place and effective through an Integrated Children s Services Strategic Forum (ICSSF) and a Child Protection Strategic Forum (CPSF). We are confident the integrated and shared responsibility that the CPC and the Child Protection Strategic Forum (CPSF) have, we are confident, provides: closer, more co-ordinated working to deliver improved services; a strategic vision for Perth and Kinross, shared by the community, the Council and its partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors; a process of agreeing the actions that each partner will take in pursuit of this vision; better ways to identify and address the needs of individuals and communities; monitoring and taking account of national concerns eg Western Isles Report and the Colyn Evans Inquiry.

7

8 What has been Happening in Perth and Kinross The CPSF, set up in March 2004 and chaired by the Chief Executive of the Council, continues to monitor and oversee the work of the CPC. It has provided leadership, direction and support to the CPC. The post of Child Protection Development Officer was successfully filled in October This post was created to support the work of the CPC in the development and implementation of policies and professional practice with the aim of reducing the risk of harm to children and young people in Perth and Kinross. Significant inroads have been made on a number of fronts including regular communication and consultation with the CPSF. The Development Officer at the instigation of the CPSF, has drawn up a communication plan, driven promotional campaigns to raise public awareness of Child Protection concerns and represented Perth and Kinross at a national level in a consultation exercise concerning the engagement with young people to elicit their perspective on youth issues. The composition of the CPC has been strengthened by the introduction of a representative from the Independent Schools Sector. In addition, the various sub groups have recruited new members from a range of agencies to enhance their role. The Systems Sub Group of the CPC undertook the first of an intended series of multi-agency self evaluation exercises in January/February The vital lessons learned during this initiative are of critical importance to the operation of best practice. Details are outlined in the Evaluation and Inspection section of this report. The Training Sub Group continues to oversee a wide range of training programmes, details of which are attached as a Training Action Plan. The composition of the Group has been reviewed and new members have been introduced to reflect the divergence of interested parties. The current initiative is the reshaping of Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol (STRADA) training to address local issues and local remedial action in respect of parental substance misuse. The Vulnerable Witness Sub Group has broadened its membership to include Witness Service and Victim Support personnel. A familiarisation visit programme to Perth Sheriff Court has commenced with those practitioners likely to be involved in child witnesses attendance at court being invited to view the Closed Circuit Television System and other protection measures now available for vulnerable witnesses. A cornerstone of the work of the CPC, namely the Inter-Agency Guidelines, have recently been published and disseminated throughout Perth and Kinross. The Inter-Agency Guidelines, which complement and harmonise individual agencies protocols and procedures, have been prepared and approved by the CPC, ratified by the CPSF and printed and issued to all groups concerned with Child Protection in both the statutory and voluntary sector.

9 The guidance and assistance provided by Sheila Foggon, Professional Advisor of the National Reform Team, was of great value. This team was dissolved in June 2006 but there continues to be an advisory link with the Scottish Executive. Strong links with various fora including Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), Public Protection Forum, Community Planning and the Domestic Abuse Forum are being maintained and new associations are being developed with the Prison Estate, Perth College, Tayside Fire & Rescue Services and Interim Vulnerable Adult Group.

10 Evaluation and Inspection National Inspection As stated in the last annual report, the HMIE Services to Children Unit intends to inspect all child protection services before the end of It is yet to be announced when Perth and Kinross will be inspected, but the aim of the Perth & Kinross CPC, supported by the CPSF, is to have in place sufficiently robust policies and procedures to effectively address the varied and challenging child protection concerns that may arise. This aspiration should be an ongoing daily commitment regardless of any mandatory Inspection. In addition, SWIA have this year been inspecting social work services in Perth and Kinross and the final report is due in early This report will be a public document. Local Inspection Notwithstanding the external inspection which will take place, the CPC undertook the first in an envisaged series of multi-agency self-evaluation exercises during January/February 2006, which included an audit of cases. The approach was designed to replicate, as closely as possible, the process that will be employed by HMIE as they inspect child protection services across Scotland. Key quality indicators devised at national level, which were designed to elicit information on specific questions, were considered and the initial thrust of the self evaluation was decided should focus on one crucial question. Rather than a broad approach, it was decided instead to devote energies to the query how good is the delivery of key processes? The specific quality indicators to measure effectiveness concentrated on: Involving children, young people and their families in key process to address the theme of keeping children, young people and their families informed and involved; Information sharing and recording exploring the theme of appropriate sharing, joint understanding and management and recording of information; Recognising and assessing risks and needs visiting the theme of recognising a child or young person in need of help, initial information gathering and investigation and assessment of needs or risk. The review team was drawn from a sub group of the CPC with, in addition, a specialist Family Protection Detective Sergeant from outwith Perth and Kinross area and a Principal Mental Health Officer. A number of children from individual families were identified and approval from them and their carers was sought before the case files with Social Work, Education, Criminal Justice Services, Police and Health were accessed. The enquiries incorporated file reading, interviews with practitioners, family members and children and the Authority Reporter.

11 In 60% of the cases reviewed, the practice and processes engaged with in respect of the specific quality indicator were judged as good to very good. One particular case was an exemplar of good practice with close, meaningful, working relationships with the family throughout the contact. The intention is to highlight its merits at future training events. Weaknesses in two cases were identified and steps were taken to ensure that improved co-ordination and communication across boundaries reduces the likelihood of losing information in its transition between partner agencies. Key actions for the CPC to take forward were identified. These ranged from information sharing procedures to single agency file management practices which must be of a robust nature. It also identified the need for joint training between SCRA, Legal Services and other agencies regarding what constitutes evidence and also report writing. It also addressed alternative education provision for those not being in full time education. 10

12 Management Information Nationally there is a requirement to provide information to the Scottish Executive in relation to statutory performance indicators. However, locally we use statistical data to understand better what it is we are doing and whether we are meeting the targets we set to improve services. This information is of use to the CPC to ensure that resources are being targeted correctly and to identify trends As highlighted in the previous Annual Report, the CPC in collaboration with the CPSF deliberated upon the most efficient way of interpreting and acting upon the needs and gaps in services. The SWIFT system of recording is now fully operational and although teething troubles have been encountered, a richer seam of information is now becoming available to guide and inform future best practice. As indicated in last year s report, statistical information from is to be used as a baseline. This will in turn identify trends, specific or unique issues and linkage to other services such as those in the DAAT or Domestic Abuse Forum specialisms. A new concept for this year s Annual Report and Business Plan is to expand the comparator local authorities to include those identified by the Scottish Executive as having most in common with Perth and Kinross, namely Aberdeenshire, Stirling, Argyll & Bute and Scottish Borders, the so called Family of Authorities. Returning however to our more local and immediate concerns, what follows is a breakdown of figures with explanatory frameworks clarified in the form of tables. Child Protection Register As at 1 June 2006, the number of children registered on the Perth & Kinross Child Protection Registers stands at 40. This figure also reflects the average yearly number of children although there have been fluctuations within this time period. The reason for these fluctuations is likely to be due to two factors. Firstly, the change in chairpersons for Child Protection Case Conferences to less experienced chairpersons may have altered risk assessment trends. Secondly, there were family groups registered and removed from time to time which also raised or reduced the numbers noticeably. The most commonly used category of registration is Physical Neglect, reflecting the increasing numbers of parents with substance misuse issues and associated parenting failures/problems. 23 out of the 40 children placed on the Register are under the age of 5 years. In recognition of this vulnerability in very young children, the Unborn Baby Protocol which was implemented during 2005, focuses closely on the welfare of infants and has been instrumental in 9 out the 11 babies currently on the Register being placed there. Child Protection Referrals The total number for the period 31/05/05-31/05/06 is 119. This may prove to be an underestimate as initial difficulties with the SWIFT system may have resulted in a slight under representation. 51 of these referrals relate to pre-school children. The primary school age group category number 32 with secondary 11

13 pupils numbering 36. It is noteworthy that older children are less likely to be registered under the category of neglect. The gender split of 63 girls to 56 boys does not appear to be remarkable but, significantly throughout the last year, there has consistently been more boys registered than girls. The Police remain the highest provider of referrals. This is primarily due to the well established referral protocols agreed with the Child Protection Social Work Duty Team. Education refers the second highest number. Child Protection Registration and Substance Misuse These have previously been difficult statistics to extract from data and it is estimated that slightly over one third of children on the Child Protection Register are reported to have family substance misuse as an ongoing issue. In a number of additional cases substance misuse is suspected. Future recording of substance misuse is now mandatory for social workers and this will improve our management information systems. Compulsory Measures for Care and Protection The local authority Area Reporter reports that the total number of referrals for the period 01/04/05-31/03/06 is The figure splits 287 for non-offence reasons and 795 for offence related matters. Contrary to a national trend which sees the number of care and protection referrals increasing due to a significant number of domestic abuse referrals from the Police, this is not the case in Perth and Kinross. In this authority there is a robust system for dealing with such referrals at an appropriate level; only those referrals which may be considered for compulsory measure of supervision are referred to the Reporter. All other referrals are subject to discussion between the Police (Family Protection Unit) and Education and Social Services (Child Protection Duty Team) and appropriate action taken where necessary. 12

14 Statistical Data - Trends and Comparators National statistics only available up until 31 March 2005 The following tables offer information on the nature, extent and trends over time of Child Protection issues in Perth and Kinross. They provide information on the various categories of Child Protection which are collated and compared over time. Comparison between local authorities should be made with great caution as a number of factors can influence the data collection and recording process in other local authorities. Definitions, Thresholds, Historical Issues and Practice are all factors which can influence these figures. Comparison between authorities will therefore highlight differences but not explain the reasons behind these differences. Table 1 Number of Children on Child Protection Registers and Rates per Head Year Ended 31 March Local Authority Rates per 1,000 population aged 0-15 Area No Rate No Rate No Rate No Rate Tayside Perth & Kinross Dundee Angus Comparator Authorities Aberdeenshire Argyll & Bute Scottish Borders Stirling There has been a year on year reduction of the number of children on the register, which is in keeping with the national trend. Perth & Kinross has a slightly lower rate of 1.5 compared to 2 per thousand nationally. It has the lowest number per thousand of the population of the comparator authorities, the closest being Stirling with

15 Table 2 Number of Children Referred, Subject to a Case Conference, Registered, De-Registered and on Child Protection Registers by Local Authority Local Authority No of Referrals No of Referrals Subject to Case Conference Year Ended 31 March 2005 No of registrations No of De-registrations No on Register Perth & Kinross Dundee Angus Comparator Authorities Aberdeenshire Argyll & Bute Scottish Borders Stirling % of referrals in Perth & Kinross are subject to a case conference, slightly below the Scottish average of 36.1%, compared with Aberdeenshire where it is 13.9% and Argyll and Bute at 49.2%. In Perth & Kinross, 70% of children who go to an initial case conference are registered, which is around the Scottish average of 69.4%, compared to Aberdeenshire and Stirling with a higher rate of 86% and 83% respectively. Table 3 Pre-Birth Assessment - Unborn Baby Protocols 31/05/05-31/05/06 (Perth & Kinross only) Outcomes Number Case Conference 11 Child Protection Orders 3 Low Risk Resulting in No Further Action 5 Monitoring Arrangements Set in Place 6 Transfer to Other Local Authority 2 Total 27 As can be seen there is a marked increase in the number of unborn babies being case conferenced and plans being implemented. This has had a direct impact on those aged between 1-5 being referred. 14

16 Table 4 Numbers by Category of Abuse Perth & Kinross Category of Abuse Neglect Sexual Abuse 9 4 Physical Injury 4 7 Emotional Abuse 9 13 Failure to Thrive 1 0 Neglect is still the highest single reason for registration, reflecting the issues around drug abusing parents and the impact on children - this is similar to the national picture. There is almost a 50% increase in the numbers registered under emotional abuse which is against the national trend. Although of concern, numerically the increase is small. Scottish Borders Category of Abuse Neglect 9 7 Sexual Abuse 3 1 Physical Injury Emotional Abuse 11 7 Failure to Thrive 0 0 The sole comparator available for comparison is that supplied by the Scottish Borders. Table 5 Gender/Age Breakdown (Perth & Kinross only) Age <12 Months 1-5 Years 6-11 Years Years Totals M F M F M F M F M F June June The Unborn Baby Protocol has begun to have an impact. While it has only been operational for a year, the figures would suggest that earlier intervention has had the effect of reducing the numbers in the 1-5 year category. The gender breakdown is unchanged from the previous year. 15

17 Table 6 Length on Register (Perth & Kinross only) Age < 6 Months 6-12 Months Months 18+ Months June June There is an increase in the length of time children are on the register with a significant increase in the 6-12 months. However conversely there has been a decrease in those children on the register for 18 months. Sustaining last year s encouraging trend, over 30 of the children have remained on the Child Protection Register for less than 12 months, reinforcing the message that registration should only be a short term measure to allow risk to be assessed and reduced. Table 7 Free School Meals Commonly used indicators of poverty are the number of children entitled to free school meals. Percentage Entitled to Free School Meals Primary Secondary Perth & Kinross 7.4% (762) 4.5% (361) Scottish Borders 9.0% 5.7% Stirling 11.3% 9.8% Scotland 19.9% 15.6% This shows Perth & Kinross is well below the national average in relation to free school meals. However, 1123 children and young people in receipt of free school meals is not an insignificant number and is one of the indices used to measure how many children are affected by poverty. Table 8 Households Without Employed Parents/Carers In Perth & Kinross, one in nine children live in households where there is no wage earner. Area % of Children Perth & Kinross 11% Dundee 24% Angus 16% Scottish Borders 8% Stirling 3% The unemployment rate as at February 2006 within Perth & Kinross was 2% in comparison to the Scottish average of 3%. 16

18 Table 9 Teenage Pregnancies for year olds Area of Residence Perth & Kinross Dundee Angus Scottish Borders Scotland Wide The conception rates for Perth & Kinross continue to fluctuate around the Scottish average. A midwife based at Drumhar Health Centre closely monitors all teenage pregnancy occurrences and delivers advice, guidance and assistance to individuals or groups as required. 17

19 18

20 Fulfilling the Functions of the Child Protection Committee As set out in the National Child Protection Committee Guidance document, the CPC is defined as the primary strategic planning mechanism for inter-agency child protection work in the local authority area. Remit and Review Perth & Kinross CPC has a number of main functions. These can be categorised under three main themes: Strategic Planning which can be sub divided into: Planning and Connections; Communication and Co-operation; Listening to Children and Young People. Continuous Improvement which can be sub divided into: Policies, Procedures and Protocols; Management Information; Quality Assurance; Promotion of Good Practice; Training and Staff Development. Public Information has a dual purpose: Dissemination to the public of the Child Protection message. Accessibilty - informing the public how to raise concerns and who to contact. 19

21 20

22 Strategic Planning Planning and Connections The Perth & Kinross CPC is a key inter-agency strategy and planning group within the local authority area. Its remit covers the monitoring and improvement of services and the protection of children and young people. The Committee is situated within the Perth & Kinross Community Planning Partnership framework and functions through the overarching CPSF. Community Planning Partnership Child Protection Strategic Forum Environment Partnership Community Safety Partnership Child Protection Committee Health & Wellbeing Partnership Lifelong Learning Partnership Proposals are currently being considered to develop an Integrated Children s Services Strategic Forum in which child protection will be a key priority. This will form part of community planning arrangements and will connect closely to the wider inter-agency and corporate agendas. The Perth & Kinross Community Planning Partnership has a vision of a confident and ambitious Perth and Kinross, to which all can contribute and in which all can share. This vision sees our area as vibrant, successful, safe, healthy and sustainable, where learning and enterprise are nurtured and supported. The Community Safety Strategy guides the thinking of all Community Planning Partners prioritising community safety issues. The most significant planning mechanism that the CPC is aligned with is the recently formed Integrated Children s Services Planning Group. The chairperson of the CPC is a member of this group. Annual reporting on CPC work is now being incorporated into the Integrated Children s Services Plan. Within the sphere of health, Tayside Child Protection Action Group and Tayside Child Protection Executive Group have met regularly over the past year to debate and implement strategies and initiatives to protect children. At a multi-agency level, there is a marked contribution to the CPC and the sub groups of Training and Systems Sub Group. Partnership working continues to develop with Perth & Kinross Community Health Partnership which has local responsibility for the development of children s health services. 21

23 Strong links continue to be developed with the Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), the Youth Justice Partnership and the Public Protection Forum. The chairperson of the Committee sits on all three fora and their respective minutes are discussed at CPC meetings. Links are being established with the Domestic Abuse Forum, Tayside Fire & Rescue, the Prison Estate and Interim Vulnerable Adult Group. The re-establishment of a Joint Children & Young People s Sub Group, focusing on issues and devising services for children and young people affected by substance misuse, is ongoing. The Perth & Kinross Voluntary Sector Child Protection Forum was constituted to enable voluntary sector services to engage in a meaningful way with the key planning processes in Perth & Kinross. There is Forum representation on both Training Sub Group and the full CPC. Both the Chairperson and Development Officer of the CPC regularly attend the National Child Protection Committee Chairs Network Meetings and the Development Officer currently sits on the National Task Force concerning Sharing Good Practice re Participation of Children and Young People in Child Protection. In an attempt to broaden the perspective of the Committee approaches have been made to the Prison Authorities, Criminal Justice Services, Adult Care and previously unrepresented areas of the voluntary sector. These have all been met with a positive response and a number of initiatives are developing. The Community Safety Partnership, the Childcare Partnership, Perth College and Tayside Fire & Rescue have all been approached to forge further networks of common purpose and identify opportunities for more effective co-ordination and co-operation. Communication and Co-operation Effective and sustainable communicative co-operation and partnership amongst all agencies is fundamental for the protection of children. The Partnership Agreement (Appendix I) is underwritten by all committee members of the CPC and is endorsed by the CPSF. The collaboration required and the lessons learned from the self-evaluation exercise, which took place at the start of the year, are invaluable for the improvement and advancement of multi-agency working and further similar projects are planned for the future. Inter-agency training and staff development are vital for the building of trust and harmony between agencies. Joint delivery of training involving presenters from a variety of disciplines has created a stimulating learning environment and the CPSF are considering increasing the training staff complement to match the increasing demand that is being generated from all sectors within the domain of Child Protection. The work continues to take forward the co-location of Social Work, Health Services and Police. A venue has been identified and funding streams are being explored by senior officials. There is considerable research to justify that such operational practice enhances communication, co-operation and consensus. 22

24 Listening and Involving Young People Perth & Kinross CPC recognise and are committed to employing the National Standards for Community Engagement. Through the Youth Strategy, there is opportunity to both listen and consult with young people whilst discussing issues which may affect them. The vast majority of schools have a Pupil Council and they and other local youth fora supply representation to the Perth & Kinross Youth Council. Perth & Kinross CPC are establishing links with these groups. One of the most successful and dynamic mediums is that of Drama and the Arts. Both Dialogue Youth and Perth & Kinross Young Scot Portal actively promote and facilitate the expression of thoughts, feelings and attitudes of young people on issues and matters that affect their daily lives The self evaluation exercise did incorporate a semi-structured questionnaire to be completed in cooperation with the young people whose case management was being inspected. Early indications are that the children and young people spoken with are very amenable to interview, gratified that their opinion is being sought and attempt to communicate their feelings as accurately as possible. Disappointingly only two children were available and willing to share their thoughts on their experiences with workers. Information gathered from them suggest however that eliciting their views and opinions is a very worthwhile aspect of the process. This line of enquiry will be pursued in future self evaluation exercises. The Development Officer currently sits on a National Task Force concerned with consultation with service users and participation of young people in child protection. This is a National Child Protection Committee Chair Sub Group which is exploring the most effective ways of encouraging dialogue and eliciting comment and suggestion. The most successful initiatives will be considered for local implementation. 23

25 24

26 Continuous Improvement Multi-Agency Guidelines for Professional Staff In the summer of 2006, the Committee were delighted to publish and launch the Perth & Kinross Child Protection Committee Multi-Agency Guidelines. A total of 1200 copies of the document were disseminated to the partners of the Committee for swift dissemination to all at practitioner level. An electronic version is available to the public on Sharing Information About Children at Risk The sharing of information about children at risk of harm is acknowledged as a fundamental prerequisite for the protection of children. The Perth & Kinross CPC has designed a proforma for securing the consent of parents/carers and children and young people, where appropriate, to share and use information between agencies. It is intended to pilot this with Education & Children s Services with the intention to roll out to other agencies in the future. Unborn Baby Protocol Perth and Kinross Staff from all the agencies continue to utilise this policy. The policy allows for planning and assessments to take place pre-birth. There are various outcomes that may occur but the overall aim is to ensure that interventions result in infants being better protected and cared for. Children Missing from Education Children missing from education are children and young people of compulsory school age who are not on a school roll and are not being otherwise educated (at home, privately or by an alternative provision). Set procedures are in place and a designated Children Missing from Education Officer, placed strategically in Education & Children s Services, will collate and pursue enquiries. Recording The CPC has produced a proforma for the recording of initial referral discussions, network meetings and child protection planning meetings. This has provided consistency across the agencies and enhanced inter-agency work. Police Force Policy In 2005, Tayside Police produced a new Child Protection Policy, Strategy and Guidance document. This publication sets out Police Force policy in relation to all aspects of child protection and information sharing. It has been created to provide police officers and support staff with the necessary awareness, training, guidance and support. 25

27 Parental Substance Misuse In collaboration with Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol (STRADA), Perth & Kinross have re-launched procedures and protocols for assessing children in need or at risk due to parental substance misuse. Agency Procedures The NHS Tayside Child Protection Policy, the Paediatric Discharge Policy, the Education & Children s Services Child Protection Procedures and the Perth & Kinross Inter-Agency Adult Protection Guidance & Procedures, all support and shape collaborative work in the several spheres of child protection work. Management Information The findings from the self evaluation exercise have alerted the Committee of areas of operation where good practice flourishes and other aspects of child protection work where there are weaknesses. The recently installed SWIFT management information system has been instrumental in providing a rich seam of information in respect of Child Protection Services. Evidence of the depth of data retrievable is to be found in the statistical section of this report. Quality Assurance Collectively the CPC has a responsibility to agree, implement and review quality assurance processes in the inter-agency work. Such activities must be undertaken in cognisance of the Framework for Standards. Each individual service has committed to ensuring that they have in place quality assurance frameworks against which they can evaluate their services. A rolling programme of monitoring these arrangements will be undertaken by the CPC as an Inter-Agency Audit. The conclusion and recommendations of the National Inspections of Child Protection, specifically those concerned with the Western Isles Report and the Colyn Evans Inquiry, have been scrutinised by the Committee with appropriate action plans being devised accordingly. Promotion of Good Practice The Committee has a responsibility as set out in the Partnership Agreement to identify good practice, address issues of poor practice and ensure learning from practice. The CPC developed an inter-agency evaluation tool based on the Scottish Executive document, How well are we protected and our needs met? In January 2006, a small scale inter-agency evaluation exercise took place and key members from each agency were co-opted onto the evaluation teams. The key findings and resulting action plan was presented to the Committee on 30 May 2006 and thereafter to the Strategic Forum during June It resulted in the activation of a range of actions implemented at an early stage in proceedings to improve services. 26

28 A Systems Sub Group also operates under the auspices of the CPC. This focus group reviews cases where some aspects of practice, or the outcomes for children and young people could be improved or there is identified best practice which can help inform future procedure. Action Plans are developed which identify the required activity both within and between agencies. Training and Staff Development This is a core function of the Committee. It is readily acknowledged by the Committee that training and staff development through the inter-agency approach is the best way to learn and sets the standard for quality joint working. Most of the training is delivered by the part-time Child Protection Training Officer for Education & Children s Services, supported by experienced practitioners from a range of other agencies including the Police, Health, Social Work and Voluntary Sector. The need to increase the capacity to deliver an ever increasing demand for training and develop new materials is currently being considered by the Strategic Forum. Every training course incorporates a participant evaluation section which the Training Sub Group analyse to reshape and, where possible, improve the quality of the training delivered. The Training Sub Group has submitted an Action Plan to the Committee outlining the purpose and anticipated outcomes from multi-agency training. From June 2005 to June 2006, 421 practitioners attended staff development programmes organised through the Committee. This is in addition to single agency training and staff development that continues to complement multi-agency activity. The flexibility of the multi-agency training programme has proved very popular with twilight and weekend sessions being well attended. A separate yet associated initiative has been the arranging of familiarisation visits to the Sheriff Courthouse with rudimentary training in respect of Vulnerable Witness legislation. The Vulnerable Witness Sub Group of the Committee arranged visits to the Perth Sheriff Court where the Clerk of the Court, in conjunction with Procurator Fiscal Staff, arranged for a practical demonstration of the special measures and the various perspectives of court officials and designated witness supporters. Key practitioners in the domain of law enforcement, social work and the voluntary sector benefited from this initiative. The planning and development of Pan Tayside training programmes, working in co-operation with Angus and Dundee Child Protection Committees, continues to expand. This amalgamation of the three Tayside Committees ensures a consistency of approach. The most recent initiative is an ambitious multi-media enterprise which delivers scripted scenarios to multi-agency training groups. The resource will stimulate debate and discussion amongst practitioners as they dissect the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies portrayed in the specially contrived dramas. The three Child Protection Committees have also commissioned training from the University of Dundee. Two seminars are proposed, one theme concerning Information Sharing and Communication, the other on Risk Assessment. A further project being contemplated is the provision of an Annual Conference. The current year s topic will be Protecting Children - Making a Difference. 27

29 28

30 Public Information The role of the Committee is to raise awareness and provide members of the public with information about Child Protection Services. Basic information that is fundamental to encourage public support: What to do and who to contact should they have any concerns about the safety and well being of a child or young person. What the Child Protection Committee does and how this impacts on the protection of children. Who the agencies involved in Child Protection are and what they do. What standards in service should people expect to receive? As part of the CPC s commitment to improving practice, leaflets have been widely distributed and made available in a number of public places, eg doctors surgeries, dentists, police offices, hospitals, etc. To raise public awareness of Child Protection issues and provide them with contact numbers to share that concern, local buses are displaying bulkhead posters incorporating the CPC logo and an eye catching message. Two billboard posters with the identical message will be located at Perth Railway Station. This initiative is anticipated to be seen by approximately 50,000 travellers as they make their way around Perth. A second initiative is the insertion of an advertisement onto a Council Tax Planner Academic Calendar which is to be hand-delivered to every household in the Perth and Kinross local authority area. It is estimated that over 39,000 homes will receive this planner. The advertisement comprises the same format as the poster. It holds a prime position on the facia of the calendar. Significant numbers of council staff have also had basic awareness and pre-level one training and been provided with information cards to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities in Child Protection and how to report concerns. A Communication Plan has been produced by the CPC and approved by the Strategic Forum outlining the campaign to raise public awareness and promote the work of the Child Protection Agencies. This is attached as Appendix VI. The Development Officer is also developing materials for parent/carers and young people who become involved with the Child Protection process. This aims to ensure that service users are aware of their rights and responsibilities. The direct telephone line ( ) for the public to access the Social Work Child Protection Team continues to be a valuable source of contact and its existence is continually re-emphasised in the local press. 29

31 30

32 Key Challenges for the Coming Year In Annual Report and Business Plan , several challenges facing the CPC were set out. It is important to reflect on them a year on and clarify what was achieved and what remains to be addressed. In addition, there will be a refocus on current trends and concerns and a commitment to plan for The Annual Report and Business Plan published in 2005 highlighted that much of the child protection work done in the Perth and Kinross area is of a highly complex nature and requires staff with high levels of skills and experience. It was essential therefore that the recruitment and retention of appropriate staff and ensuring the delivery of high quality training for staff remains a key priority. As at August 2006 there is a full establishment of social workers. New innovative ways of inter-agency training are being explored to increase knowledge and enhance skills. One particular example of this is the creation of an interactive CD rom package available on-line to local authority members of staff. This has been a basic awareness initiative, raising understanding of Child Protection concerns. Other local authorities have shown interest in the project and are to develop their own learning tool relying heavily on its content. There is also a need to increase the capacity of the training arm of the Committee and the Strategic Forum are considering a proposal to appoint a Training Officer to augment existing capabilities. Public information and raising awareness was an important issue that concerned the Committee last year. The communication plan that was referred to was expanded upon and several projects were organised in consequence. On-line communication features heavily in the drive to alert the community of Child Protection issues and Perthshire.com has a series of web pages providing information on both the work of the CPC and Child Protection advice and information. The expected increase in referrals/contacts to agencies, particularly Child Protection Duty Teams, has not materialised to such an extent that resources required reinforcement, although it is heartening to note that appropriate calls are being received in greater numbers than ever before. The situation continues to be monitored. The Child Protection Committee Inter-Agency Guidance was disseminated to all agencies and other interested parties during the summer with a formal launch proposed in the autumn of The inter-agency Training Sub Group have in place a Training Plan. The practice of detailing many of the programmes within the Schedule of Opportunities, compiled and distributed by Education & Children s Services, is being maintained and the range of voluntary and statutory agencies engaged with the training continues to expand. The Systems/Practice Sub Group continues to provide valuable information to the full Committee in respect of good and weak practices and the Group were well represented in the self evaluation project that took place in the early part of the year. This information is taken account of in training. Last year s Annual Report & Business Plan rightly identified a key theme of Drug & Alcohol Misuse and accordingly further dialogue with, and guidance from, the Scottish Executive and STRADA. This has 31

33 culminated in the re-launch of the STRADA materials with a conference which took place in March 2006, where over 100 key practitioners and those with a strategic responsibility were provided with a thorough appraisal of the new DAAT procedures. The Training Sub Group is creating a learning tool to provide training to drug and alcohol orientated practitioners in the Perth and Kinross area and a CD Rom interactive facility and associated guidance is currently being devised. Work to development a co-location unit for Police, Social Work and Health Services continues and funding streams are being identified. 32

34 Business Plan In reviewing the Business Plan for 2005/06, we are delighted that a number of objectives have been achieved and are completed or ongoing, while others have been carried forward for action into this year s plan. We aim to ensure that we have a programme of continuous improvement and the CPC will monitor progress of the Business Plan on a regular basis and progress should continue to be reported to the Strategic Forum. Strategic Planning Aims To contribute to the strategic planning of services for children and young people in need of protection and support. To identify and address any issues between agencies which impact on the protection of children. To identify and take action in relation to issues which would benefit from joint working. To liaise with other multi-agency partnerships and structures with an interest in Child Protection with a view to improving joint working and joint planning. Objectives What are we going to do? When will it be done by? What resources do we need to do it? How do we know when it is done? 1 Ensure future reporting arrangements for the CPC are included in reporting and monitoring arrangements for the Integrated Children s Services Plan The Chair sits on the Integrated Children s Services Planning Group Now in place Staff Time: CPC Development Officer and Chairperson of the CPC CPC Annual Report and Business Plan is featured within the Integrated Children s Services Plan 2 Ensure Community Planning Partnership are aware of and updated on Child Protection Services in the area Regular update reports to Community Planning Partnership Completed and ongoing Staff Time: CPC Development Officer and Chairperson of the CPC Community Planning Partnership fully aware of Child Protection activity and services in locality 33

35 Objectives What are we going to do? When will it be done by? What resources do we need to do it? How do we know when it is done? 2 continued Development Officer attending Partnership meetings to update on the child protection agenda. 3 Strategic Forum to be kept fully aware of activity in Child Protection Services and to provide leadership and support to CPC initiatives 4 Re-establish, along with the DAAT, Children & Young People s Sub Group to address problems experienced by children and young people affected by substance misuse 5 Adoption of Partnership Agreement 6 Co-location of Police/Social Work Teams and Health Services 7 Roll out annual multi-agency inspection/audit tool (Feb 2007) Regular briefing reports to Child Protection Forum In the process of reconstitution Continue to monitor Sustain momentum for change Systems Sub Group identified Quarterly update report December 2006 Ongoing This timescale for this has been delayed until 2009 March 2007 Staff Time: CPC Development Officer and Chairperson of the CPC Staff Time: from all agencies represented Staff Time: CPC Development Officer and Chairperson of the CPC Funding details yet to be clarified Significant staff time from all inspecting agencies CPSF fully appraised of ongoing activity Report progress to both DAAT and CPC Maintain Agreement s validity and enlist new signatories as required Co-location facility fully operational Pilot inspection completed, results known and responses undertaken 34

36 Objectives What are we going to do? When will it be done by? What resources do we need to do it? How do we know when it is done? 8 Contribute to the development of ecare Still awaiting clarification of framework from Scottish Executive Perth and Kinross initially developing ecare in Adult Services Time frame still to be agreed Staff time: Development Officer ecare system established Information sharing occurring between participating agencies 9 Listen and seek out the views and actively involve children and young people in the planning and delivery of Child Protection Services Establish formal consultation with and participation of young people in Child Protection matters Ensure frontline services proactive in this area March 2007 Staff time: participating agencies Staff time: Development Officer Improved communication and consultation with children, young people and their families - evidence of this will be illicited through reviews; young people forums Initiate with support from CPC Maintain focus within Audit Children s Charter Continue to ensure it informs practice Ongoing Monitoring by Development Officer Ongoing - child protection network 11 Implementation of Framework of Standards Understanding and embedding across all agencies Ongoing Each agency has a responsibility to ensure training, monitoring and supervision Local and national inspections will identify good/ weak practices 35

37 Objectives What are we going to do? When will it be done by? What resources do we need to do it? How do we know when it is done? 12 Strengthen links with new Community Health Partnership for Perth & Kinross Maintain existing arrangements Ongoing Dedicated staff time Awaiting launch of Plan 13 Proposal to commission an independent evaluation on the work of the CPC and its impact on the provision of appropriate services to children Consider engaging the services of an external consultant Deferred until after SWIA & CP Inspections Funding to employ said consultant Approximately 5000 Evaluation complete and report findings with CPC 14 Establish budget and funding arrangements for and beyond Discuss funding arrangements with the CPSF and secure long term financial stability for the work of the CPC Budget agreed - awaiting funding Tri-partite commitment from the key players in local authority Sufficient long term funding is identified and realised 36

38 Continuous Improvement Aims To maintain an overview of member agencies policies and procedures and ensure that they are reviewed and updated regularly. To confirm that all single agencies gain access to the Child Protection Inter-Agency Guidelines either electronically or by recourse to hard copy. To continue to gather statistical data from the key reporting agencies and ensure that professional analysis of such data takes place. To ensure that issues arising from such interpretation are used to inform inter-agency strategic planning. To monitor and review the operation of the Child Protection Register. To continue to self evaluate using effective quality assurance mechanisms and refining techniques when appropriate. To promote good practice, disseminate information and intelligence gleaned from audit inspections where historical or current practice deserves recognition and publicity. To oversee, review and reshape an effective and all inclusive inter-agency training programme. Objectives 1 Launch of new Inter-Agency Guidlines 2 Ensure Single Agency procedures are reviewed and updated where applicable 3 Continue to review existing protocols and develop new ones where necessary What are we going to do? When will it be done by? What resources do we need to do it? Formal launch September 2006 Staff time: CPC Development Officer, Training Officer and Admin Support Each agency to continue to review current procedures Monitoring by Development Officer Continue to work with DAAT to devise Information Sharing Protocol Annually September 2006 Staff time: CPC Development Officer and Single Agency Staff Staff time: CPC Development Officer and DAAT representative How do we know when it is done? Guidance disseminated Public launch 2006 Report back to Development Officer Protocols in place Monitoring practice and trends 37

39 38 3 continued ASBO/CP protocol in consultation with Tayside Police 4 Evaluate the Qualitative Data available and its best use to inform and drive CPC planning 5 Local Self Evaluation exercise 6 Adopt Scottish Executive s Framework for Serious Case and Child Death Reviews 7 Systems Sub Group to address areas of concern regarding interagency practice. Benchmarks to be established 8 Ensure delivery of Training Plan which will take account of local and national best practice Sex offenders/ CP protocol in consultation with CJS Review existing sources and liaise with Single Agencies with Perth & Kinross Council and comparative authorities throughout Scotland July 2006 and quarterly thereafter Staff time: Single Agencies, CPC Development Officer and other Local Authority counterparts Annually March 2007 Staff time: all agencies Establish a local process accordingly Review concerning areas of practice and report findings and recommendations to CPC Integrate into training programme Deliver interagency training to maximum advantage Explore viability of Pan Tayside activity in this context Final draft with Scottish Ministers July 2006 Ongoing Timetable for in place Staff time: CPC Development Officer and System Sub Group participants Staff time: Systems Sub Group and Training Sub Group Staff time: CPC Development Officer and Training Officer Regular, accurate, meaningful information available with proper analysis of trends etc which then direct planning of services Recommendations from initiative are fully implemented Framework established in Perth & Kinross to deal with serious case and child death reviews Staff learn from previous practical experiences encountered by colleagues All staff from all agencies receive appropriate high quality, up-todate training

40 Public Information Aims To raise awareness of Child Protection issues. To promote the ongoing work of all agencies and other organisational groups with a vested interest in protecting children. To provide information for members of the public who wish to act upon concerns they may have about a child or children. Objectives What are we going to do? When will it be done by? What resources do we need to do it? How do we know when it is done? 1 Increase public awareness through direct communication using different mediums Communications Plan ongoing March 2006 Any substantial increase in referrals may impact on staff resources within several agencies Statistics reveal increased appropriate referrals from general public Continue to seek other opportunities to heighten profile of Child Protection Services, CPC and Child Protection issues eg launch of Inter-Agency Guidelines This will be monitored on an ongoing basis Children now more aware of their human rights and good knowledge of professional contacts How you engage with young people and elicit information 2 Continue use of CPC logo Displayed and promoted at every opportunity Completed and ongoing Publicity costs All communications, leaflets, aide memoires and presentations branded with CPC logo 3 Monitor impact of increased publicity on Child Protection Services Continue to monitor all aspects of data generated in consequence of increased publicity Ongoing CPC and CPC Development Officer Increase in appropriate referrals from public 39

41 40

42 Appendix I Perth & Kinross Child Protection Committee Partnership Agreement and Constitution 1. Introduction This Agreement sets out the framework for the Child Protection Committee for Perth and Kinross. It incorporates the Constitution, statements and roles and responsibilities of the members of the Child Protection Committee and statements of the functions of the Child Protection Committee. 2. Aim There shall be established a Child Protection Committee for Perth and Kinross, with the aim of ensuring that children are safeguarded and protected by working together to promote continuous improvement and best practice in Child Protection. 3. Functions The functions of the Child Protection Committee ( the Committee ) shall be as follows: 3.1 Continuous Improvement Policies, Procedures and Protocols To ensure that member agencies have in place their own policies and procedures in relation to child protection; To ensure that inter-agency guidelines on procedures to be followed in child protection cases are in place; To ensure that appropriate protocols are put in place in relation to key child protection issues; To ensure that all policies, procedures and protocols are regularly reviewed; To ensure that inter-agency policies, procedures and protocols are disseminated to all relevant agencies and staff within those agencies Management Information To ensure that relevant statistical information and analysis of trend in cases is received from member agencies; To ensure that any issues arising from such information are identified and addressed by member agencies; 41

43 To ensure that any issues identified from such information are used to inform inter-agency strategic planning; To monitor and review the operation of the Child Protection Register Quality Assurance To agree, implement and review quality assurance mechanisms, including auditing for inter-agency child protection work which will contribute to the continuous improvement of services Practice To promote good inter-disciplinary practice in dealing with the causes and effect of child abuse; To assess issues of significance in collaborative working which arise from the handling of cases, and from Report and Inquiries; To have in place mechanisms for disseminating information about lessons from past and current practice Training and Development To plan, implement and review an effective and relevant programme of interagency training on child protection; To monitor the effectiveness of such training through appropriate quality assurance mechanisms. 3.2 Strategic Planning To contribute to the strategic planning of services for children and young people in need of protection and support; To identify and address any issues between agencies which impact on the protection of children; To identify and take action in relation to issues which would benefit from joint working; To publish an Annual Report and Work Plan; To liaise with other multi-agency partnerships and structures with an interest in Child Protection with a view to improving joint working and joint planning. 3.3 Public Information To raise public awareness of child protection issues; 42 To promote the work of agencies in protecting children; To provide information in relation to what action to take when members of the public have concerns about a child.

44 4. Membership 4.1 The following agencies will be represented on the Committee: Perth & Kinross Council, Education & Children s Services Head of Service, Children & Families Services Service Manager with responsibility for Child Protection Service Manager, School Improvements Service Manager, Criminal Justice Services Perth & Kinross Council, Housing & Community Care 2 Representatives (1 from Housing, 1 from Community Care) Tayside Police Detective Chief Inspector, Western Division Detective Sergeant, Family Protection Unit, Western Division Detective Chief Inspector, Headquarters Crime Management, Dundee Scottish Children s Reporter Administration 1 Representative NHS Tayside 3 Representatives as follows: - Child Health Commissioner, delegated to Consultant Nurse Child Protection - Designated Doctor Child Protection, delegated to Lead Clinician Child Protection - Nurse Consultant Child Protection, delegated to Area Senior Nurse Child Protection Perth & Kinross LHCC/CHP 1 Representative Voluntary Sector 1 Representative Independent Schools Sector 1 Representative Procurator Fiscal Service 1 Representative 4.2 The Committee may from time to time co-opt further members onto the Committee to assist in the discharge of its functions. 4.3 Membership of the Committee will be renewed annually. 43

45 5. Roles and Responsibilities 5.1 Member agencies will nominate a representative or representatives to serve on the Committee. 5.2 Member agencies will ensure that their nominated representative is able to contribute effectively to the agreed work plan and other business of the Committee. 5.3 Member agencies will ensure that their representative will: have the necessary authority to take forward the business of the Committee; represent the commitment of the agency to the protection of children; facilitate communication between their agency and the Committee; contribute their skill and expertise to the work of the Committee. 6. Accountability 6.1 The Committee is accountable to the Child Protection Strategic Forum, which is the Chief Officer Group responsible for child protection in Perth and Kinross. Child Protection Committee Constitution 1. Meetings The Committee shall meet on at least five occasions each year, on dates to be determined by the Committee. There shall also be an Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting shall be the last meeting before the instatement of the new Chair and Vice Chair. The Quorum for a meeting of the Committee shall be seven representatives from at least five agencies, including the Chair or Vice Chairperson. 2. Chair and Vice Chair The Committee shall select from its membership a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson who shall serve for a maximum of two consecutive calendar years in either post. Nominations for the post of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall require to be submitted no later than 20 September in the year when either of these posts will fall vacant. In the event of more than one nomination being received for either post, a vote will take place at a meeting of the Committee to be determined by the Chairperson. All representatives on the Committee will be entitled to vote. The Chairperson shall have a deliberative, as well as casting, vote. 44 The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall take up appointment on 1 January of the calendar year following their nominations.

46 3. Agenda and Minutes A Minute of each meeting of the Committee shall be taken and circulated to the agencies. The Agenda for each Committee will be determined by the Chairperson, following consultation with Committee. Representatives shall be entitled to have items placed on the Agenda and shall be informed of the deadline for inclusion of items on the agenda for each meeting. 4. Sub Committees The Committee shall be entitled to establish such number of sub committees as it considers necessary for the purpose of discharging its functions. The remit and duration of any such sub committee shall be determined by the Committee. Each sub committee established may comprise Committee representatives or other representatives nominated by agencies for that purpose. Each sub committee shall elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson in the same manner as for the Committee. Sub committees shall report back to the Committee in a manner determined by the Committee. 5. Annual Report The Committee shall provide an annual report as soon as possible after 31 March in each year. The Report will contain the following information: A list of the members and office bearers of the Child Protection Committee and its sub committees; Analysis and comment upon statistical information provided on the activities of the various member agencies; The inter-agency Action Plan of the Committee together with a report of the progress made will be included. 6. Administrative Support The Committee shall agree the arrangements, including financial arrangements, for providing administrative and professional support to the Committee. Such arrangements shall be sufficient to enable the Committee to operate effectively and discharge its functions. 7. Amendments to the Constitution Any amendment to this Constitution shall be by two thirds of Committee members present and voting at the Annual General Meeting. 45

47 Appendix II Training Sub Group - Remit and Objectives Remit The primary role of the Training Sub Group is to promote, commission and ensure the quality of interagency communication, understanding and common approach to the Child Protection process through multi-agency training. Agencies have a responsibility to ensure all staff have training in recognising that a child has been harmed or is at risk of harm. They also have responsibility to respond in accordance with agency and CPC Inter-Agency Guidelines. The CPC will endeavour to provide inter-agency training for all staff who require to work together to ensure a co-ordinated response to protect children. Objectives To maintain an overview of single agency training plans in relation to child protection and evaluate in respect of implications arising there from inter-agency training. To plan, review and quality assure multi-agency training and other developmental initiatives. To annually review, redefine and amend in light of legislation or informed research, a wider ranging programme of multi-agency child protection training for practitioners and managers and other interested and relevant partners. To ensure placements on training courses are made available to agency partners and updates on accessibility are circulated when appropriate. To facilitate a rolling programme of multi-disciplinary events and other specific stand alone one-off events. To lead on behalf of the CPC in the commissioning of external training when the need arises. To meet regularly with the training committees of the Child Protection Committees of Dundee and Angus to agree and promulgate joint approaches. 46

48 Appendix III Systems Sub Group - Remit and Objectives Aim Improved outcomes for children Objectives Contribute to inter-agency Child Protection Quality Assurance framework: Reviewing the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration Make recommendations to the CPC and Strategic Forum Establish Benchmarking arrangements with comparator Authorities Establish Child Death Review arrangements with comparator authority CPC This group will take a closer look at outcomes for children and families using the Quality Indicators for Protecting Children and meeting their Needs on a rolling programme. Evaluation of activity to protect children will be based around the following 5 key questions: How effective is the help children and young people get when they need it? How effectively do agencies and the community, work together to keep children and young people safe? How good is the delivery of key processes? How good is operational management in protecting children and young people and meeting their needs? How good is individual and collective strategic leadership? Self evaluation will be based on the methodology developed by HMIE and take place annually using a random sample of 8 cases reflecting mixed agency involvement. Where concern has been expressed over the efficacy of agencies acting together timeously to protect children in a particular case, it will be reviewed by the Systems Sub Group in order to learn lessons for the management of similar cases and make positive recommendations for the future. Criteria for referral: Inter-agency involvement; Issues beyond acknowledged single agency competence, specific agency concerns should be addressed through existing channels; 47

49 Significant level of risk to child; Level of risk increased as a result of inaction or inappropriate action. Expected Outcomes A culture of reflective practice and focus on continuous improvement Evaluation of the effectiveness of inter-agency practice Recommendations on protocols and training Identification of resource capacity issues Comment on the robustness of management arrangements The group meets 3 times per year and referrals are to be made via agency representatives on the CPC at the Committee meeting preceding timetabled reviews. 48

50 Appendix IV Vulnerable Witness Sub Group Background In September 2003, the Scottish Executive introduced guidelines on the interviewing of child witnesses as the first stage in the gradual integration of special measures for child witnesses in the Criminal Justice and Civil Court proceedings. This has been fully implemented in Perth and Kinross and all Police and Social Work investigations are subject to these guidelines. In 2004, the Scottish Executive introduced the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act as a major building block in their commitment to improve the support available to vulnerable adult and child witnesses. For many vulnerable witnesses the whole legal process, from the initial enquiry to the giving of evidence, can make an already traumatic experience even more upsetting and stressful. This is particularly relevant for victims of crime and witnesses who are vulnerable children. Under the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004, witnesses under the age of 16 are regarded as vulnerable and have the right to give evidence by the use of standard special measures. The degree of vulnerability will determine which are the most appropriate to use. For all children under the age of 16, the party citing the witness must complete a child witness notice notifying the court of the intended use of standard special measures. These special measures are intended to help vulnerable witnesses by providing appropriate support when they give their evidence. Although this Act was introduced in 2004, the Scottish Executive envisaged a gradual implementation until completion in November 2005 for vulnerable children and April 2006 for vulnerable adult witnesses. Remit Because of the inter-agency nature of the guidelines, the CPC set up a Vulnerable Witnesses Sub Group to oversee the implementation of the Act within Perth and Kinross. The Sub Group comprises members of the key agencies impacted upon by the new legislation. These are Police, Authority Reporter, Social Work, Sheriff Clerk, Procurator Fiscal and voluntary organisations involved in supporting witnesses and victims of crime, namely Victim Support and Witness Service. This has been a complex piece of legislation to implement due to resource implications and the requirement for training. Consequently there has been consultation with inter-agency parties in other local authority areas. 49

51 The provision of these special measures aims to maximise the quality of evidence provided, in terms of its completeness, coherence and accuracy, in that vulnerable witnesses will be better supported to give their evidence. The guidance pack contains the following: Applying for special measures; Vulnerable witnesses with special needs; Special measures for child witnesses; The use of a supporter; The use of a prior statement as Evidence-in-Chief; Taking evidence by a Commissioner; Decision making in the legal process. Since April 2005, the provisions within the Act have applied to child witnesses in both criminal solemn proceedings and children s hearings court proceedings. From April 2006, they will apply to adult vulnerable witnesses in these same proceedings and, from April 2007, it is expected to apply to child and adult vulnerable witnesses in criminal summary proceedings and later to all civil proceedings. Objectives Following is an action plan itemising projects already accomplished and future initiatives to be undertaken. 50

52 Vulnerable Witness Sub Group Action Plan Action Responsible Person/ Agency To be Completed by Outcome All guidance relating to the Vulnerable Witnesses Act 2004 to be disseminated to all Social Work teams Child Protection Planning Officer Completed June 2005 Repeat process to be undertaken in April 2006 All relevant social work staff are aware of the duties in respect of vulnerable witnesses Dissemination of CD Rom to child witnesses attending court and Being A Witness guidance booklets for children and young people sent out to all social work bases Child Protection Planning Officer Completed June 2005 Children and young people are able to access relevant information via allocated social worker Identified gap in service provision resulting in letter to Procurator Fiscal and contact with Scottish Executive regarding children attending civil cases without witness support CPC Development Officer Temporary arrangements in place March 2006 Child Protection Duty Team to support child witnesses as of 14/03/06 Scottish Executive are presently considering funding for this service across Scotland Identify suitable training for staff working with child witnesses CPC Development Officer Development Officer to attend other local authority training programmes to determine if specific training required to be purchased and response back to Sub Group on 4 May 2006 Training to be provided to all inter-agency staff who engage with vulnerable child witnesses 51

53 Appendix V Voluntary Sector Child Protection Forum After a consultation amongst the Voluntary Sector Forum in late 2005, it was decided to reshape the group after a period of inactivity. It was agreed that a constitution be drafted incorporating a membership of all child care voluntary organisations in Perth and Kinross. A Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer were appointed forming an Executive Committee. On 20 February 2006, the Annual General Meeting of the Group took place and aims and objectives for constitution were revisited. Remit 1. To provide appropriate opportunities for the voluntary sector to engage in the dissemination of best practice, professional debate and mutual support in areas relating to the protection of children. 2. To meet the child protection needs of the voluntary sector through either the direct provision of events and seminars or by signposting to other activities and information. 3. To establish and maintain strong relationships with statutory child protection agencies to ensure that the voice of the voluntary sector is represented and taken into account in decision making and local policy and practice development. Further proposals were suggested which included: (a) To agree a set of objectives for the Forum to be set out as an action plan to encompass a twelve month period; (b) To set out within this action plan a clear programme of meetings and training events for this 12 month period; (c) Operating within the action plan, individual members taking responsibility for either a meeting or training event or funding application to balance the organisational loading and further develop shared ownership and responsibility within the forum; (d) Engage professional administration support to augment the activities of the Forum and ensure good communication and networking between Forum members. An action plan is currently being contemplated with the initial focus being on training issues. Four events are being considered: 1. Continuing training for volunteers with basic Child Protection awareness; 2. A Managers course; 3. Training on the New Assessment Framework; 4. Training on recognising and responding to sexual abuse. 52

54 Appendix VI Communications Plan In March 2004 the Scottish Executive published its Protecting Children and Young People: Framework for Standards; it sets out the Executive s visions on how key agencies should undertake their responsibilities individually and collectively, in particular, Councils, the Health Service and Police forces. The associated Children s Charter explains in simple language what children should expect from these agencies. The Framework asserted that: 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 right and needs as respected. The Framework goes on to say: every adult in Scotland has a role in ensuring all our children live safely and can reach their full potential and its defining statement contends that: the welfare of children is paramount. Standard 7 of this Framework expects that: agencies work in partnership with members of the community to protect children. In particular, agencies are to work with parents and the public to: raise awareness about and promote the safety and protection of children; advise on how the community can help in the protection of children. In January 2005, the Scottish Executive published guidance on the role of Child Protection Committees, bringing key agencies, both statutory and voluntary, together and actively supporting their work. The guidance states that Child Protection Committees are required to produce and disseminate public information about protecting children and young people. They will develop, implement and regularly review a communications strategy that incorporates the tasks of: raising awareness of child protection issues within communities, including children and young people; promoting the work of agencies in protecting children to the public at large; providing information about where members of the public can go should they have concerns about a child. The Committee is supported in its endeavours by the establishment of a CPSF, a group consisting of Chief Officers representing all the major organisations concerned in Child Protection. The Forum will oversee the work of the CPC. 53

55 Key Stakeholders All children, families and residents of Perth and Kinross. Employees representing the Council, Tayside Police, NHS Tayside and other Statutory, Non Statutory, Private and Voluntary sectors and all other service providers. Media contacts to be engaged proactively. Budget A budget of 2500 has been allocated for communications initiatives. 54

56 Perth & Kinross Child Protection Committee Communication Action Plan Aims (a) To raise public awareness of Child Protection matters in local communities and sustain improved levels of awareness. (b) To engender a sense of collective responsibility for Child Protection matters throughout these local communities. Action Responsible Person/ Agency To be Completed by Outcome Media release to raise public awareness of new direct phone number Child Protection Committee Sub Group Inaugural release February 2005 Further releases as dictated by public uptake Public informed of new direct link to Child Protection Team Insertion of Child Protection telephone number in local press Child Protection Committee Sub Group December 2005 Permanent inclusion of contact number in Perthshire Advertiser Introduction of personal issue employee information cards to all Council employees Child Protection Committee Sub Group February 2006 Cards to be issued to staff after a briefing article in February issue of Inside News Design of adhesive labels displaying Child Protection direct line telephone number and their attachment to key documents disseminated to members of staff and general public Child Protection Committee Sub Group Available November 2005 Distribution ongoing Increased public and inter-agency awareness of contact telephone number To publicise launch of Inter-Agency Child Protection Guidelines (including media release coinciding with ECS Newsletter and Inside News distribution) CPC Development Officer Completed June 2006 Document completed with all multi-agency Child Protection Panel members aware of their respective responsibilities in respect of all Child Protection matters 55

57 Action Responsible Person/ Agency To be Completed by Outcome Supervise the compilation of public information leaflets in respect of specific areas of Child Protection practice, for example, Child Protection Case Conferences CPC Development Officer Child Protection Planning Officer June 2006 Parents/carers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities in respect of Child Protection processes Proposal that there be a standing item of communication on agenda for Child Protection Committee CPC Development Officer Ongoing March 2006 All positive media opportunities to be exploited Approach venues of high frequency public resort for support and co-operation in promoting Child Protection objectives Child Protection Committee Sub Group Correspondence despatched December 2005 Increase public awareness via direct interface through poster campaigns and dialogue with relevant groups Create Perth & Kinross Child Protection Committee Website CPC Development Officer February 2006 and updated as required Navigationally friendly web site placed within Perthshire.com containing Minutes, Policies and Protocols, Constitution and Membership, and hyper links to Child Protection authenticated websites Deliver basic Child Protection Awareness Training to all members of Council staff CPC Development Officer and Social Work staff Commenced Thursday 2 March 2006 and ongoing training as part of induction for new staff Most Council staff will have received basic awareness training. The training is now available to all and the programme is ongoing. 56

58 Appendix VII Multi-Agency Structures for Child Protection in Perth and Kinross Community Planning Partnership Child Protection Strategic Forum Environment Partnership Community Safety Partnership Child Protection Committee Health & Wellbeing Partnership Lifelong Learning Partnership Integrated Children s Services Strategic Partnership Child Protection Committee Audit/ Inspection Group Training Group Systems/ Practice Sub Group Vulnerable Witness Sub Group Voluntary Sector Forum 57

59 Appendix VIII Perth & Kinross Child Protection Committee Alison Irvine Service Manager - Children & Families Improvement Services Perth & Kinross Council Tel Anne Burgham Nurse Consultant Child Protection NHS Tayside Tel Bill Atkinson Head of Service - Children & Families Services Perth & Kinross Council Tel David Barnes Second Master -Strathallan School Independent Schools Sector Tel DS David Graham Tayside Police Western Division Tel Dawn Samson Procurator Fiscal Depute Tayside Procurator Fiscals Tel DCI Colin McKay Tayside Police Western Division Tel Dr Dinah Protheroe Consultant Paediatrician NHS Tayside Tel Jenny Blinkhorne Chair of Children s Panel Perth & Kinross Tel John Gilruth Service Manager Criminal Justice Services Perth & Kinross Council Tel Lorraine Ross Service Manager Housing & Community Care Perth & Kinross Council Tel Margaret Wells Interim Depute Director Perth & Kinross Council Tel Marion Christie Head of Therapies Community Health Partnership Tel Marion Dingwall Co-ordinator NCH PACT Voluntary Sector Representative Tel Norma Ritchie Authority Reporter Scottish Children s Reporter Administration Tel Sarah Rodgers Senior Solicitor Legal Services Perth & Kinross Council Tel

60 Gordon McKay Child Protection Committee Development Officer Tel Gwen Proctor Senior Nurse Child Protection NHS Tayside Tel DCI John Caughey Crime Management Tayside Police Tel Maureen Brown Secretary Perth & Kinross Council Tel Ian Smillie DAAT Co-ordinator Perth & Kinross Council Tel

61 Appendix IX 1. Child Protection Committee Administration Expenditure Expenditure 2005/06 Staff Costs - Funded from CCSF 14,857 Other Costs - Funded from SE Child Protection Committee Grant Funding Office Equipment 863 Printing Forms/Photocopying/Stationery 9,655 Computer Hardware & Supplies 8,734 Miscellaneous 1,302 Training Course Expenses 2,413 22,967 22,967 Total Expenditure 2005/06 37,824 Total SE Committee Admin Grant 30, /07 Commitments 7, /07 Commitments Staff Costs - Funded from CCSF 34,327 Other Costs - Funded from SE Child Protection Committee Grant Funding Printing Form/Photocopying/Stationery 5,671 Miscellaneous 1,362 7,033 7,033 Total Commitments 2006/07 41, The operation of the Perth & Kinross CPC was funded through the Changing Children s Services Fund but a budget is being identified for the current and subsequent financial years. The work of the CPC generates significant costs and the Strategic Forum has supported the allocation of a budget of 10,000 to the CPC. Ongoing projects include the printing of Inter-Agency Guidelines, the design and displaying of posters and delivery of Council Tax Planner Calendars depicting Child Protection messages and the continuous professional development of the Development Officer and Training Officers. Initiatives like this will require to be funded in subsequent years. 60

62 Budget is also required to facilitate: staging events, conferences, courses, funding voluntary sector initiatives, for example, the roll out of the Basic Awareness CD Rom; stationery, photocopying, printing, supplies and services for CPC; ongoing production and updating of publications, guidelines, leaflets, information posters, other promotional campaigns; ongoing training linked to CPC and the work of the Child Protection Committee Development Officer. 3. The budget does reflect the administrative needs of the CPC but is only a very small proportion of the allocated resources to Child Protection work in Perth and Kinross. Whilst it is possible to quantify this where there are staff solely dealing in Child Protection work (eg Police and Children s Services), applying the principle that all staff are responsible for protecting children makes it very difficult to estimate the resource allocation within the key partners mainstream budgets. Also, additional monies and grants from the Scottish Executive contribute to Child Protection work as one of the key outcomes identified in the Integrated Children s Services Plan. Examples of these include Integrated Community Schools, Supporting Parents, Childcare Strategy, Changing Children s Services Fund, etc. 61

63 Glossary of Terms Assessment of Risk Evaluation of possibility of child abuse occurring in the future. Child Assessment Order An order of the court authorising an assessment of a child s health and development and of the way the child is being treated. Children Missing from Education (CME) Children and Young People of compulsory school age who are not on a school roll and are not being otherwise educated (at home, privately or in an alternative provision). Child Protection Committee (CPC) This is the primary strategic planning mechanism for inter-agency child protection work in Perth and Kinross local authority area. It reports to the Strategic Forum on a quarterly basis. Child Protection Case Conference This is a meeting to consider the safety and welfare of children who have been the subject of a child protection investigation. Consideration will be given to the appropriateness of registration and the formalisation of a child protection plan. Child Protection/Duty Team A Duty Social Work Child Protection Team which is the first point of contact for Child Protection concerns. The team decides upon appropriate response in child care issues. It also has the authority to direct the referral to other voluntary or statutory organisations where appropriate. Child Protection Order An order that ensures urgent action can be taken to remove a child to a place of safety or to prevent the removal of a child where he or she has been accommodated. Child Protection Register A formal list of names of children where there are concerns about the possibility of future abuse and where a child protection plan has been agreed. Child Protection Strategic Forum (CPSF) This is a dedicated group of the highest level officers across all agencies who are involved in Child Protection Services. It provides leadership and direction to all Child Protection Services and ensures collective responsibility and collaborative working at all levels. Community Planning These are processes where the local authority comes together with organisations and communities to plan and provide for the well being of communities. Community Safety Partnership A government driven mandate tasking local authorities and other bodies to tackle crime and disorder issues in their communities. 62 Comparator Local Authorities These are Local Authorities who are grouped by the Scottish Executive into families with similar socioeconomic and demographic composition.

64 DAAT Drug and Alcohol Action Team. Dialogue Youth A partnership between Young Scot, COSLA, local authorities, the Scottish Executive and young people, enabling young people to have a real and effective say in all services that affect them. Domestic Abuse Forum This is a multi-agency group that works together to ensure that domestic abuse is tackled to reduce the often devastating impact on those enduring same. Domestic Violence Incidences of physical, sexual, mental or emotional abuse by a partner, family member or other member of the household. It may be a single incident or series of incidents. Family Protection Unit This is the specialist police unit which deals with Child Protection Investigations. In addition, a Domestic Violence Officer is based alongside this team. GOPR Getting our Priorities Right : A Good Practice Guide issued by the Scottish Executive targeting working with children and families affected by substance misuse. HMIE Her Majesty s Inspectorate of Education. Integrated Children s Services Plan This is a vision ensuring closer more co-ordinated working to deliver improved services. It is also a process to identify agreed actions that each partner will undertake. Equally, it is a system to identify or address the needs of both individuals and communities. Essentially, it is a universal ideal shared by the community, the local authority and its partners in the public, private or voluntary sectors. Inter-Agency Guidelines A booklet which contains core information required by all agencies and which should be used in conjunction with their own agency procedures. Its aim is to ensure that agencies providing services and support to children and their families have an appreciation and understanding of other agencies roles, responsibilities and legal powers. Looked After and Accommodated Children These are children who are cared for by the local authority who are usually in foster care or a residential unit. National Child Protection Chair Meeting A quarterly meeting between an all chairperson group and the Scottish Executive to discuss national issues and consistent development. Pan Tayside Training An amalgamation of the three Tayside Child Protection Committees Training Sub Groups, to engage in more protracted or complex training initiatives which also enables a consistency of approach Tayside wide. 63

65 Public Protection Forum A reference group formed to consider amongst other issues environmental health matters; home and leisure safety issues and crime and disorder. Statutory Performance Indicators Previously agreed quantifiable measurements that reflect the critical success factors of an organisation. STRADA Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol, an organisation that delivers professional training in partnership with co-ordinating bodies in the drug and alcohol misuse fields. SWIA Social Work Inspection Agency. SWIFT A practitioner orientated database. Systems Sub Group A group drawn from the various child protection agencies which examine practice in respect of specific quality indicators on a rolling programme. Tayside Child Protection Executive Group The team of senior officials in the statutory child protection agencies who occupy the highest offices in the sphere of child protection. Unborn Baby Protocol A Risk Assessment undertaken by Social Work staff when there are concerns regarding parental substance misuse, or other parenting history that may have an impact on the capacity or capability to care for a child where there are incidents of domestic violence or there is an allegation that there is a Schedule One Offender within the household. Voluntary Sector Child Protection Forum A group formed to provide appropriate opportunities to engage in the dissemination of best practice, professional debate and mutual support and to establish and maintain strong relationships with statutory child protection agencies. Young Scot Portal A device that provides an interactive, dynamic source of up to the minute youth related information including community features such as discussion forums, voting and interactive surveys. Youth Strategy A local authority aspiration to provide a framework to support young people in a co-ordinated partnership approach that accounts for their needs, perceptions and desires. 64

66 Council Text Phone Number All Council Services can offer a telephone translation facility Designed by Chief Executive s Service ( Jan 07)