Review measures to protect vulnerable children

4.11.42pm GMT Mon 24th Nov 2008

Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Margaret Smith MSP has called for measures to protect vulnerable children to be continuously reviewed.

Speaking during a debate in the Scottish Parliament about supporting Scotland’s looked after children, Mrs Smith said:

“We need effective, responsive and accessible services to minimise the chances of a Scottish Baby P tragedy. The interests of vulnerable young people must be at the heart of future policy developments and on the ground services and decision making. All too often it seems that an adult’s parental rights seem to take precedence.

“Legislation is not the quickest way to improve the protection of vulnerable children. That is why we are calling on the Government to work with councils and other partner agencies to ensure that child protection practices are kept under immediate and continuous review.”