21 October 2020

New Scottish Government consultation on revised National Guidance for Child Protection

The Scottish Government is seeking the views of those working with children, young people, and their families, on an update to the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland.

The revision is being carried out as recommended by the Child Protection Improvement Programme (CPIP) published in 2016, and aims to ensure the guidance is consistent with the legislative and policy framework and current practice developments.

The consultation exercise asks for feedback on new and significant aspects of the guidance, and whether there are any areas which are missing or haven’t been adequately addressed. Views shared will inform the final content of the revised guidance, and future developments in child protection improvement work more generally.

The National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland is designed to underpin local multi-agency child protection procedures, guidance and training. The current version, published in 2014, describes the responsibilities and expectations of everyone who works with children, young people and their families in Scotland, setting out how agencies should work together with children, young people, parents, families, and communities to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The consultation runs until 17 January 2021, with the final revised version expected to be published in the spring.