The Scottish Executive is setting up a 24 hour help line for people to report concerns about vulnerable children. The phone service -- 0845 408 9090 -- is part of a three month pilot project covering North East Scotland encouraging people to report children suspected of suffering from abuse or neglect.
It will provide callers with information as well as a service for reporting concerns and could be extended throughout Scotland if the pilot proves a success.
Callers are encouraged to report "warning signs" such as: a child with an injury who is unwilling to explain how it happened; very young children who may be playing in the park late at night; neighbours' children left alone while their parents work; or children who appear uncharacteristically quiet withdrawn and afraid to go home.
Announcing the pilot on 21 February 2005, the Executive's education minister Peter peacock said:
"All children deserve a secure and caring start in life – but sadly, not all of them get this. Too many children find their lives and future prospects blighted by the misery of abuse or neglect."
Chris Booth, chair of the North East Scotland Child Protection Committee, said that joint working across organisations and the ability to get information as early as possible are both key to the initiative.
"Working with children, families and communities to ensure that vulnerable youngsters get the care and protection they need is a key responsibility that is shared equally across all agencies; with health, education, social work, the police and voluntary organisations all working together.
"However family, friends, neighbours and the local community often become aware of problems first and by speaking out they can help make a difference."
According to the Executive, latest official figures for the pilot area show that, in Aberdeen, 151 children are on the child protection register. In Aberdeenshire it is 104 and in Moray 80. A child can be placed on the register because of physical injury, sexual or emotional abuse or physical neglect.
The Executive will evaluate the pilot over the summer before making a decision on whether to roll out a national programme.
Quelle: KableNET , 21.02.2005
