Information Bulletin
21 February 2005
Child Safe Shetland
Children in Shetland can look forward to safer experiences in local groups following a series of initiatives in the coming months by Shetland Child Protection Committee.
Recent high-profile tragedies have highlighted the need for greater public understanding of what to do if they have any concerns about a child's welfare. A national review of child protection has identified the need to raise the profile of child protection awareness throughout Scotland.
A leaflet will soon be distributed to every household in Shetland, outlining what action to take if you have a concern about a child and where to find local advice and support.
Recent legislation from the Scottish Executive under the Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 places new requirements on all organisations - including voluntary groups providing activities for children, as well as businesses and the statutory sector. The Child Safe Shetland project has seen the development of a detailed information pack and training programme that will support voluntary groups to achieve best practice and to meet the new legal obligations.
An increasing number of groups are also aware of the requirement for checks of the new Disqualified from Working with Children List carried out through Disclosure Scotland for any helpers involved with their group. The Child Safe Shetland project will be supporting groups to carry out these checks as part of a programme of training throughout Shetland.
Director of Public Health and current Chair of Shetland Child Protection Committee, Sarah Taylor commented - "There is a huge amount of community activity in Shetland, much of which involves children and young people. The Committee recognises that everyone in the community has a role to play in making sure that children are safe. By working with local groups we can make sure that more people understand the issues and know what support is available."
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