Information Bulletin
16 March 2006
Child Protection Audit Report
The results of a recent audit of child protection services in Shetland were presented to Shetland Islands Council's Service Committee on 16 March 2006.
Independent external auditors brought in by Shetland Child Protection Committee looked at a selection of cases from all agencies on a anonymous basis, and carried out a series of interviews and focus group discussions with key staff from all agencies, including the voluntary sector.
The audit team were impressed by the openness of agencies and were assisted by staff and managers to access information needed.
Presenting the audit findings to the Services Committee, Interim Head of Social Work Brian Doughty said that the auditors had found much to commend in the way local services worked together to protect children and young people. They identified the key strengths as:
- Positive relationships and frontline training
- Good compliance with procedures
- Families are seen
- Information is shared
- Immediate initial response
These were strengths to be built on and should not be taken for granted.
Areas for improvement were:
- Clarifying the process for decision making at case conferences
- More focus on desired outcomes
- Objectivity and safeguards
- More involvement of criminal justice and other adult services
- Child protection seen as part of a continuum, with support provided early where necessary
A 'rule of optimism' can sometimes prevail, when workers think that things have improved for children (perhaps because parents and families are now seen as co-operative) although the fact there has been little real change. This was evident in the recent Scottish Executive inspection of child protection failings in the Western Isles. This can be avoided by:
- Being clear with families what needs to change and within what timescale's
- Using evidence - based assessment supported by good professional supervision
- Taking further action, through the Hearing systems and courts if necessary, to ensure children's well-being
Seminars have been arranged to ensure that the lessons are learned. The audit findings will also be presented to NHS Shetland's Clinical Governance Committee.
Chair of Shetland Child Protection Committee Inspector Malcolm Bell has confirmed that the actions being taken to tackle the ares for improvement will be set out in the Child Protection Committee's Annual Report and Business Plan. This is due to be presented to Chief Officers at the Community Planning Board in May. He said 'Child protection is an issue for the whole community, not just for social workers. This audit will held us provided the best services we can for children and young people. It will also help us prepare for the Scottish Executive's programme of children's services inspections. We can never be complacent and it is vital for everyone to remain vigilant and report any concerns they have about a child's welfare.'
A leaflet giving information about how everyone can help to protect children from all forms of abuse was circulated to all households last year and is available on the Community Safety website at http://www.shetland.gov.uk/communitysafety/.
CPC is already engaged in a process of consultation with children and young people about child protection services, through Youth Voice and the Shetland Youth Information Service.
As well as seeking to prevent abuse and neglect, CPC is concerned to ensure that those who already experienced it receive appropriate support and services to help them recover from their experiences.
Ends.