I am a Parent/Carer

This information is designed to help parents or carers understand what might happen if they are involved in the Child Protection Process.

Agencies working with families recognise that sometimes bringing up children can be demanding and stressful. However, children have a right to grow up in households where they feel safe, well cared for and protected. Any concerns about a child's welfare or protection should be reported to:

• Social Work Services
• Police
• Any other professional involved with the child or family

If concerns have been raised which suggest any child or young person may be in need of protection social workers and police have a responsibility to investigate.

Usually social work and/or police will arrange an assessment of the child's situation. This may involve:

• Speaking with the child and their parents or carers
• Making a visit to where the child lives
• Speaking with any other relevant person (other family members, teachers or health visitors, etc)

This can be a stressful time for children and parents and it is important that:

• Children and their families get a clear explanation about what is happening
• Their views are listened to
• They are given help and advice on what supports are available during this time

As a result of the assessment, one or more of the following might happen:

• Immediate action taken to secure the safety of the child
• Support, help and advice given to the family
• Provision of a service to the child or family and where necessary referral to another agency
• The concern is recorded but no further action taken
• Criminal proceedings

A meeting (called a Child Protection Case Conference) may be arranged where professionals and parents meet to discuss what needs to be done to keep the child safe.

Wherever possible children and parents/carers will be kept fully informed of what is going on, and if they require support or advice this can be arranged. They will be advised of their rights and given information on who they should contact for further advice and if they feel they have not been treated fairly.

Parents or carers will be given contact details of the social worker allocated to their case and also of the Social Work Team Manager if the Social Worker is not available.

Information leaflets for Children and their families are available at all stages of the child protection process and are also available on this website.

If you wish to make a complaint following a child protection process you can do so here.

The following information may also be useful: -

IMPACT OF PARENTAL SUBSTANCE MISUSE

Up to 3000 young people in Dumfries & Galloway may be living with a substance misusing parent or carer. For more information about the effects of substance misuse and support available visit the Alcohol & Drug Partnership website.

DOMESTIC ABUSE - THERE'S NO EXCUSE

As many as 1 in 5 women in Scotland will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. This affects children and young people too. Anyone who needs to talk to someone about this should call the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline Free on 0800 027 1234 or visit their website at www.domesticabuse.co.uk or the Dumfries & Galloway Domestic Abuse Website.

FREE DISCLOSURE CHECKS FOR VOLUNTARY GROUPS

The Central Registered Body in Scotland (CRBS) provides free disclosure (police checks) for volunteers in the voluntary sector working with children, young people and vulnerable adults at risk. To find out if your voluntary organisation can access this free service, visit their website.

PVG SCHEME

In November 2010 the Scottish Government introduced the new membership scheme to replace and improve upon the current disclosure arrangements for people who work with vulnerable groups. This is called the Protecting Vulnerable Group Scheme (PVG Scheme). An information booklet can be downloaded from the list below, and you can find more information by visiting this website. 

COMMUNITY SEX OFFENDER DISCLOSURE SCHEME

The Community Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme also known as 'Keeping Children Safe' aims to protect children from child sex offenders by allowing improved access to information and offers an additional element of reassurance to local communities. For more information visit.