Child Protection Report |
7 October 2005 |
|
Statement by Bill Howat - Chief Executive, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
First of all can I say both CPC and CNES welcome the publication of this report. We asked for this review and we are sure that we can and will learn lessons from it. We are in the process of implementing the recommendations specific to us and have given assurances to the Minister that we will be moving urgently on fully implementing this report’s recommendations. We also note that there is a series of recommendations for other agencies, including the Scottish Executive, aimed at improvements in child protection services across the country and that is to be welcomed. This has been a long, complex and difficult case - a fact clearly recognised by the Social Work Inspectorate. The Inspectorate also recognises this was different from other high profile child protection cases and should not be compared. Indeed in many ways it was unique. It has been distressing for those involved. We accept that there were serious shortcomings in our performance in the case and that is a matter of regret. Our aim is to provide the best possible children’s services in the Western Isles and we must now read this report and its recommendations in detail and see where improvements can be made in the services we provide. Everyone involved in Child Protection throughout the country will be doing the same. Since the Comhairle invited the Inspectorate to review this case, there have been significant developments in child protection policies in Scotland. In the Comhairle there have been significant steps forward including the appointment two years ago of a Child Protection Co-Ordinator and a Children’s Services Manager, more independence in the chairing of case conferences, more inter-agency staff training and an audit of training needs. I would also emphasise that whilst there were shortcomings, which we accept, the report highlights many positive aspects of the way the Child Protection agencies handled this case. The Comhairle would also stress that this case concerns children who continue to live in our community and they are entitled to respect and privacy. We would ask the media to maintain the dignity that has been shown throughout this case and afford the children the privacy they are entitled to. Finally, on behalf of all staff, I pay tribute to the children at the centre of this case - they have behaved with remarkable dignity. They have shown great tenacity and courage in very difficult circumstances. SWIA Report in pdf format (636kb) Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
|