Child protection in Scotland - who is responsible?

The Scottish Government is responsible for child protection in Scotland.

It sets out policy, legislation and statutory guidance on how the child protection system should work.

Child Protection Committees (CPCs) are responsible for multi-agency child protection policy, procedure, guidance and practice. Within each local authority, CPCs work with local agencies, such as children’s social work, health services and the police, to protect children.

The national approach to improving outcomes for children and young people in Scotland is "Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC)". This provides a framework for those working with children and their families to provide the right support at the right time.

What are my responsibilities?

All professionals and volunteers who work with children need to know that there is National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland.

That Guidance describes what our "collective responsibilities" are in protecting children from harm and adverse experiences.

In Scotland, a child legally becomes an adult when they turn 16, but statutory guidance which supports the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 includes all children and young people up to the age of 18.

Where concerns are raised about a 16 or 17 year old, agencies may need to refer to the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, depending on the situation of the young person at risk. Section 21 of the National guidance for child protection in Scotland explains how professionals should act to protect young people from harm in different circumstances.

The National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland was published on 19th May 2014. It provides a framework for agencies and practitioners at local level to agree processes for working together to safeguard and promote child wellbeing.

Most organisations and services will have their own child protection guidelines, policies and procedures that provide more detailed guidance about how to approach different kinds of issues that can emerge in working with children.

Reporting a concern

If you think a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999. If you're worried about a child but they are not in immediate danger, you should share your concerns.

• Follow your organisational child protection procedures. Organisations that work with children and families must have safeguarding policies and procedures in place.

• Contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. Trained professionals will talk through your concerns with you and give you expert advice.

• Contact your local children’s social work team. Their contact details can be found on the website for the local authority the child lives in.

• Contact the local Children's Reporter. Local, independent officials can decide if any legal interventions need to be made to protect a child. Children’s Reporters offices can be found on the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration 

• Contact Police Scotland if you are concerned that a child is in immediate danger. Services will risk assess the situation and take action to protect the child as appropriate either through statutory involvement or other support. This may include making a referral to the local authority.

Have a look at our Reporting Of Child Sexual Abuse section