What is Child Protection?
Every child in Moray has the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and any other kind of harm that puts them at risk. Child Protection is part of Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) – A national approach to improving outcomes and supporting the well-being of children and young people.
In Moray, we are ensuring that effective child protection procedures are in place wherever there is a likelihood or risk of a child coming to significant harm and we will work in partnership with Social Work, Police Scotland, Health, Education, Housing and the Third Sector to ensure all children and young people are kept safe.
What is child abuse or neglect?
Child abuse and neglect can put children and young people in danger and can also have long-term effects on their physical and mental well-being, children can be abused in different ways:
- Physical abuse – Physical abuse is the causing of physical harm to a child or young person. Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning or suffocating. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes, ill health to a child they are looking after.
- Emotional abuse – Emotional abuse is persistent emotional neglect or ill-treatment that has severe and persistent adverse effects on a child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may involve the imposition of age – or developmentally – inappropriate expectations on a child. It may involve causing children to feel frightened or in danger, or exploiting or corrupting children. When a child is constantly criticised, ignored or humiliated or intimidated or isolated, also causes harm.
- Sexual abuse – Sexual abuse is any act that involves the child in any activity for the sexual gratification of another person, whether or not it is claimed that the child either consented or assented. Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.
- Neglect – Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment or ignoring medical concerns. It may also include neglect of, or failure to respond to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
I am worried about a child, what should I do?
If you have concerns about a child please contact:
- 01343 554370 (during office hours)
- 03457 565 656 (Social Work Emergency Out of Hours)
- 101 (Police Scotland)
You can also speak to the Children & Family Access Team Monday to Friday from 9 am until 5 pm. The Duty Officer will be available to discuss concerns about the care and protection of any child in the local community.
Out with these hours enquiries are dealt with by the Out of Hours Service. Or you could call Parentline Scotland a free telephone helpline for anyone caring for children in Scotland on 08000 28 22 33.
Contact us even if you are unsure, then we can take steps to assess the risk to the child and protect them if needed.
I am being abused/neglected. Who can help me?
We understand that it can be hard to talk to anyone about abuse, you might feel embarrassed, you might be worried about what will happen, you might even feel like you are to blame and be scared that no-one will believe you. These are all normal feelings, however, speaking to someone can often be the first step to getting help. If you are ready to talk to someone, choose someone you feel comfortable with and someone you can trust. If the abuse is happening at home and you feel unsure about telling someone there or someone else within the family, you can speak to a health visitor, school nurse, teacher, nursery worker, family doctor, social worker, police officer, children’s reporter or any adult you feel you can trust, such as a friend’s parent. It may be none of the people listed, choose the best person for you, but make sure it is someone that will listen and help you get support.
If you are at risk of harm it is important to get the support and protection required to help you through it, so please do get in touch with someone. Contact details for the Children & Family Access Team, the Police and Children’s Reporter are available on this site. Or if you prefer, you can call ChildLine free on 0800 1111 at any time, to talk about any problem. If you don’t have access to a phone you can go directly to your local Police Station for help.
I am having difficulty caring for my child and think I need help who can I speak to?
Firstly, please do not feel you have to cope alone, being a parent can be difficult and you may also have other stressful life experiences that can make parenting feel more challenging. If you are struggling you could speak to a health visitor, teacher, nursery worker, your family doctor or a member of the Children & Family Access Team.
All of these people can help you to find the support you need to take care of your child. Or you could call Parentline Scotland a free telephone helpline for anyone caring for children in Scotland on 08000 28 22 33. Mind can also offer advice and support on parenting and mental health.
Report a Child Protection Concern
If you think a child is at risk of significant harm please use the following details to report your concern:
- 03457 565 656 (Social Work – Emergency Out of Hours)
- 101 – Police Scotland
Protecting Children
-
Support for Children and Young People
All children have the right to be kept safe from harm.
If you are worried about something or don’t feel safe, and not sure what to do, there are lots of people who can help. You could talk to someone in your family who you trust, or to a teacher, a social worker, the Police, or you could call ChildLine on 0800 11 11.
There are various things that we can all do to help you. We can listen to you, and give you information on how to deal with your concern. This page provides information on various topics which may be of use to you.
Keeping SafeSo always be a good friend and:
- Listen to each other
- Respect everyone as an individual
- Respect their wishes – Don’t gossip
- Be sensitive to other people’s likes and dislikes
- Encourage your friends to feel good – Don’t put them down
- Support each other:
- By sharing your problems
- By talking to someone you trust; and
- By being a good friend
If someone hurts you remember it’s not your fault. This is what you should do about it:
- Tell a teacher or other adult you trust
- Think about what you want to say
- Don’t give up. Keep telling someone until they hear; and
- Think about yourself and your rights
If a friend tells you they are being harmed you should:
- Listen to them
- Say you want to help
- Tell an adult you both trust. Some things can’t be kept secret; and
- Respect your friend’s wishes
If you suspect a friend is being harmed then you should:
- Listen to what they have to say; and
- Talk to an adult you can trust about your concerns
- Let your friend know that you are there for them
SextingWhat is sexting? When people talk about sexting, they usually refer to sending and receiving:
- naked pictures or ‘nudes’
- ‘underwear shots’
- sexual or ‘dirty pics’; and/or
- rude text messages or videos
They can be sent from a friend, boyfriend, girlfriend or someone you’ve met online. You might have also sent a sexual photo, video or text to someone else.
We understand how easily sexting can happen and how things can go wrong – even when you didn’t mean for them to.
For much more information on sexting visit the ChildLine website.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse can leave you feeling:- Anxious and fearful
- Lonely and isolated
- Depressed and sad
- Worthless with low self-esteem
- Like you want to self-harm
- Like you want to run away; and
- Unable to concentrate at school, eat or sleep properly
Who could physically abuse me?
Physical abuse can be carried out by adults including your mum and dad as well as by other young people such as sisters, brothers, boyfriends or girlfriends.
Bullying is also a form of physical abuse when it involves hitting, kicking or physically hurting somebody.
How common is physical abuse?
Worryingly, lots of children and young people experience abuse. However, there are people out there who care and can help put a stop to it.
For more information on physical abuse click here https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/abuse-safety/physical-abuse/
Emotional AbuseIf someone is always telling you that you’re ugly, stupid, worthless or that they’d wished you’d never been born – that’s emotional abuse. It’s wrong, even if they are not doing it on purpose and can make you scared, sad and upset.
It is emotional abuse when someone:
- calls you names or shouts down at you
- puts you down or says you aren’t good enough
- ignores you or leaves you out of things
- says or do things that make you feel bad about yourself
- pushes you away or makes you feel like you don’t belong in the family
- makes you do things that you are not your responsibility, like caring for your brothers and sisters
- tries to control you or push you too hard
- treats you differently from your brothers or sisters
- puts you in dangerous situations
- makes you see things that are distressing, like domestic violence; and/or
- stops you from having friends
What to do if you are being emotionally abused
Tell someone
If you are being emotionally abused it can help to tell someone about what is happening. You can talk to a ChildLine counsellor online through 1-2-1 chat or call free on 0800 1111. We know this can be difficult and you might worry about what may happen or whether you will be believed. We care about you very much and are here for you all day, every day.Write it in a letter
If it’s too difficult to tell someone you might find it easier to write a letter to an adult you trust telling them about what is happening. You can also email it to a ChildLine counsellor.Keep a diary of the abuse
You could also keep a diary of the abuse, recording what has happened and when, and then show this to the adult you trust. This could be a family member, a friend, someone at school such as a teacher or a school counsellor.Contact social services
Some young people make the decision to contact social services (also called Children’s Services) so they can get help for themselves or their family. If you’re thinking about this, remember you can come and talk to a ChildLine counsellor about how you feel and what you want to happen.Click here for more information on emotional abuse from Childline
Sexual AbuseSexual abuse is when a child or young person is pressurised, forced, tricked or coerced into taking part in any kind of sexual activity with an adult or another young person. This can include kissing, touching the young person’s genitals (private parts) or breasts, intercourse or oral sex. It can happen to anyone – boys and girls. If you are being sexually abused it’s not your fault and you’re not alone.
What is sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is when you are:
- being touched in a way you don’t like without giving permission or consent
- being forced to have sex (intercourse)
- forced to look at sexual pictures or videos
- made or forced to do something sexual; and/or
- made to watch someone do something sexual. This can include someone flashing or exposing themselves to you and can also happen online
Facts about sexual abuse
- Sexual abuse can happen to both girls and boys
- An abuser can be male or female. They can be a stranger, somebody you love and trust including a family member or another young person such as a boyfriend or girlfriend. They can also be the same sex as you; and
- You are not alone and there are people who can help you
Click here for more information on sexual abuse from ChildLine.
ChildLine has a great website that provides a wide range of information on loads of topics including Bullying, Sexual Relationships, Online and Mobile Phone Safety, Home and Families, Feelings and Emotions, and much more.
Online SafetyUnderstanding online safety can be tricky, all of the issues discussed above can be replicated online, through online chat, gaming and social media accounts. It’s important for children and young people to feel safe online and to know where to go if they are exposed to harm online.
The Moray Child Protection Committee and the NSPCC launched the Moray – Let’s Chat Online Safety Campaign in February 2023 which provided helpful insights into how you can stay safe online, how to report harmful behaviour and help in recovering from abuse.
There is more information contained in this leaflet or on the NSPCC website.
Some other useful information can be found on these websites:
- Barnardo’s is a voluntary organisation which supports children and young people’s right to be free from poverty, abuse and discrimination.
- Beat-bullying is an award-winning bullying prevention charity that works with families, schools and communities across the UK.
- Bullying UK can give you lots of useful advice and support if you are being bullied.
- Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command Help for and advice about online sexual abuse.
- Childnet (Know It All) An extensive range of educational resources designed to educate parents, teachers and young people about the safe and positive use of the internet.
- Cool2Talk A website developed in partnership with Tayside Health Board and Dialogue Youth where young people can chat anonymously and confidentially about health issues affecting them.
- Directgov for Kids helps you to find out about the world around you with lots of fun games, videos and cartoons.
- Directgov for Young People has loads of advice on a range of lifestyle topics.
- Kidscape works across the UK to keep children safe from bullying and sexual abuse.
- The Hideout is run by Women’s Aid and aims to provide help, information and support for children and young people who are affected by domestic violence.
- Respect Me is Scotland’s Anti Bullying service and works with all adults involved in the lives of children and young people to give them practical skills and confidence to deal with children who are bullied and those who bully others
- UK Safer Internet Centre provides the latest advice on how to use the internet and new technologies safely and responsibly.
- Young Carers is the Scottish government site with information for young carers including what a young carer is, what the rights are for young carers and where to find support.
- Young Minds has loads of practical tips and advice about mental health and where to find support.
- The Young Scot website gives local information on a wide range of topics for Scottish youth aged 11 – 26 years.
If you would like to talk to someone you can speak to a Social Worker by calling:
- 01343 55 43 70 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
- 03457 56 56 56 after-hours
-
Support for Family and Carers
What happens after abuse of a child is reported?Many people are reluctant to report suspected child abuse because they are afraid that the child will be taken away from home. This is not necessarily the case! The priority will be to stop the abuse, reduce any risk, keep them safe and offer the child and family support that might be needed. We aim to keep the family together where possible. In a small number of cases where it is felt that the child will not be safe, a child may be looked after by a relative or the local authority. Most of these children return home as soon as it is felt that they will be safe. Being involved in any Child Protection Investigation can be very stressful, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused, when abuse or neglect of a child is reported to social work or the police, the following steps will usually be taken:
Investigation: The decision to start a child protection investigation is made by a number of agencies working together to understand the child’s situation. Concerns can be identified in a number of ways, a parent might identify that they are struggling and ask for help, a child might tell someone that they have been hurt or harmed, a neighbour or member of the public might see something that concerns them and tell someone, or a teacher, health worker or other professional might notice that something doesn’t seem right with a child. Once a concern is identified there will be a meeting, called an Inter-Agency Referral Discussion (IRD), with social work, the police, education and health to gather information and try to understand the concern and decide what to do next. They might decide that there is no action needed, in which case the child’s parents/carers won’t be contacted for further discussion and the file will be closed. They may decide that they need more information because they are concerned about the child’s safety and will start a child protection investigation.
At this stage, the child’s parents or carer if not already aware that there are concerns about the child, social work will in most circumstances contact them and explain the concerns they have and what happens next in the investigation. In very rarer circumstances where it thought that making parents aware before the child has been seen may put the child in danger, they will only be told once the child is considered safe.
Child Protection Planning Meeting: If there are concerns that a child might have been harmed or be at risk of harm in the future, parents/carers may be invited to a Child Protection Planning Meeting. This is a meeting to talk through the concerns and to decide how best to keep the child safe and well. Depending on the age of the child they may also be invited to attend all or part of the meeting. If the child doesn’t come to the meeting someone will speak to them beforehand in case there is anything they want people at the meeting to know. The child should have a Buddy who can help them explain their views to the meeting or using the child words, share their views. Parents/carers are also entitled to bring someone with them to the meeting to support them, such as a friend or family member
The Child Protection planning meeting will include people who know the child and in some cases the child’s family. Some examples would be Nursery or School Staff, Health Visitor or School Nurse, Social Worker, GP, Police or others who may be working closely with the child or the child’s family. The people who attend will usually provide a written report about what they know about the child and the child’s family and a copy of these reports will be provided to parents and carers before the meeting with opportunities being given to discuss what is being said in the reports with the person writing them. This gives parents the chance to check that the information about them and their family is factually correct, and to express any thoughts about the report. The reports won’t necessarily be changed if parents aren’t in agreement with what is written or don’t like what is being said but any disagreements can be discussed in the Child Protection Planning Meeting. At the meeting, there will be a full discussion about the reasons for the child protection investigation, and what was found. There will be an opportunity for everyone to ask questions and the Chair of the meeting will make sure everyone has a chance to speak. The Chair of the meeting will ask the professionals in the room to share any concerns and known strengths in the family. Parents will be given the chance to make comments or ask questions after each professional’s contribution. Parents will then be given the chance to share their opinion about what has been happening. At the end of the conference a decision will be made, on whether or not, to place the child’s name on the Child Protection Register. If the professionals present don’t agree on this, the Chair will decide on what they think the best outcome should be. If a parent present doesn’t agree with the decision that has been made, they can ask the Chair to record that they are not in agreement. After the meeting those in attendance will be sent a note of the decisions that were made and a copy of the minutes of meeting, which is simply a record of who said what at the meeting.
Moray – Let’s Chat Online SafetyAs part of the ‘Moray – Let’s Chat Online Safety’ campaign delivered by The Moray Child Protection Committee (MCPC) and NSPCC Scotland, we created a series of videos answering questions from parents and carers about how to help keep their children safe online.
Moray – Let’s Chat Online Safety PDF
Online Safety In Moray
Our first video featured Angela Ryan from the Moray Child Protection Committee.
Advice on getting your child a phone
Our second video tackled the difficult decision of knowing when to get your child their first smartphone. Here’s Euan Graham, NSPCC Scotland’s Local Campaigns Officer, with some advice that parents and carers might want to consider:
How to set up your Child’s devices safely PDF
What’s good about being online
Next, Kirsteen Carmichael from NHS Grampian discussed how being online is a fantastic way for children to get information, stay connected and have fun, but also offers some good advice on talking to your child about staying safe online:
Parental Controls Part 1
Our next video featured Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland’s Local Campaigns Manager, who offered some top tips on parental controls, how to make the most of them and how to support children to understand them.
How to stay safe online
What does it mean to be safe online? – Digital Youth Worker Marc Doherty offered some top tips to help keep children safe online and explained that part of his role involves breaking down the barriers around what’s scary about being online and educating young people on how to stay safe online:
Advice if your child has shared a nude image
Gail Sayles, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager, had some useful advice on sources of support and how we can help children affected by having a nude image shared online. We know that this can be a very upsetting and stressful experience for a child and their families but help is available – watch the video to find out more:
Sexting – Online Safety Tips for Parents and Carers PDF
Sextortion – Online Safety Tips for Parents and Carers PDF
Having regular conversations is key
Euan Graham, NSPCC Scotland’s Local Campaigns Officer explained that you don’t have to be a tech expert to keep children safe. Regular conversations are essential to support children and young people and this video explores this fundamental campaign message in more detail.
Online bullying advice
Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland, chatted about online bullying, what it is, the impact it can have and how we can support children who have been affected by it.
Back To School – Online Safety Tips for Parents and Carers PDF
Peer Pressure – Online Safety Tips for Parents and Carers PDF
Parental Controls Part 2
Gail Sayles, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager, looked further at parental controls and gave more tips and advice on how to make the most of them.
What is the Child Protection RegisterEvery local authority in Scotland has a child protection register. It is a list of children who have been identified as being at risk or harm or further harm. Our register, which is kept on a computer, covers all these children in the areas of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray. The register will contain details of the child, such as their name, date of birth and address along with brief information as to why they are on the register.
What is the purpose of the Child Protection Register?
The register helps those working with children on the register to understand the child’s situation and make sure that the child is safe and properly looked after. It ensures that there is a plan in place for the child that professionals working with the child work to the plan to keep the child safe. If you are placed on the child protection register and are old enough to understand, you can read your plan and also say what help you would like and ask any questions – but remember that everyone has to be sure that your safety always must come first.
Who can get information from the child protection register?
Information from the register is only given to those people who need to know because they are working to help you. This includes your social worker, your doctor, school nurse, police or teacher.
Appealing Decisions
If you or your child believe that a Child Protection Planning Meeting (CPPM) reached a decision based on flawed process and/or practice you can request that the decision is reviewed.
The only reasons for which a review can be considered are:
- a)The Child Protection Planning Meeting failed to take proper account of all the information available to it, or was unable to because professionals did not make the information available to the CPPM. ( Note – the failure, by any professional, to present relevant information to the Child Protection Planning Meeting is a matter for the agency concerned and could be dealt with under its complaints procedures.)
- b)The Child Protection Planning Meeting obviously misled itself in terms of the understanding of, or meaning given, to the body of information considered.
- c)The Child Protection Planning Meeting arrived at a decision in respect of child protection registration that cannot be supported by the information shared and assessed at the meeting.
The fact that a family member disagrees with the decision about registration is not, in itself, a reason for a Review to be conducted.
- The only ground for dispute upon which a review shall base a decision is:
Placing a child’s name on the child protection register. - Not removing a child’s name from the child protection register.
- Removing a child’s name from the child protection register
Requesting a review
A review request must be lodged with the Lead Officer Protecting People, within 14 days of the Child Protection Planning Meeting. The decision of the Child Protection Planning Meeting will stand during the review process and until that is changed by a further Child Protection Planning Meeting.The review request must be in writing. A family member can prepare the written request or can ask the Lead Professional or another person to make a note of what they wish to say. The written request should include evidence that supports the reason(s) for the appeal, e.g. state what procedures were not followed, what information it failed to take account of, or what misunderstanding there might have been of information shared.
The Review of a Decision
The review shall be carried out as soon as possible, and no later than 28 days, after the request is submitted. It shall be carried out by a panel composed of the Lead Officer Protecting People accompanied by a member of the Child Protection Committee.The decision of this review panel will be final.
Useful WebsitesChild Exploitation and Online Protection Command
Help for and advice about online sexual abuse.InternetMatters.org
Get expert support and practical tips to help children benefit from connected technology and the internet safely and smartly.Mind
Offering support and advice for parents with mental health needs.NSPCC Support for Parents
Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. This website has parenting tips for all stages of a child’s life, as well as advice on how to deal with difficult situations.Parentline Scotland
Every family needs a helping hand sometimes. From moments of crisis, to everyday challenges, Parentline can help. There is a range of support and advice on the website including a chat function and phone line.Scottish Child Law Centre
Free confidential legal advice service is provided via telephone and email, on all aspects of Scots law relating to children and young people. All calls and emails are answered by fully qualified solicitors.Thinkuknow
Thinkuknow is a website to help protect children both online and offline. There are resources for children, young people and parents/carers.Young Minds
This website has lots of practical advice and tips on supporting your child with mental health – from how to encourage your child to open up about their feelings to dealing with mental health services. -
Guidance for Professionals
Policy & Guidance- National (Links to Strategies Guidance and Legislation)
- National guidance for child protection in Scotland 2021
- National guidance for child protection committees undertaking learning reviews
- Children’s’ Advocacy Guidance
- Child Protection learning and development 2024: National framework
- Conducting a Significant Case Review – National Guidance for Child Protection Committees
- Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
- Getting Our Priorities Right – Drug and Alcohol Use
- Human Trafficking – Scottish Government Policy
- Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy – Scottish Government
- Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – Information Sharing
- Joint Investigative Interviewing of Child Witnesses – Scot Gov Guidance
- The Scottish Child Interviewing Model (SCIM)
- National Risk Assessment Framework
- National Action Plan to Eradicate FGM
- Responding to FGM in Scotland
- National Missing Persons Framework for Scotland
- Online Safety Resource – “What’s the Problem?”
- Protecting Disabled Children from Abuse and Neglect – National Guidance Revised Age Assessment Good Practice Guidance for Social Workers
- Scottish Government Child Sexual Exploitation Definition and Practitioner Briefing paper 2016
- The Promise
Resources- Practice tools and Guides
- Practice Guide: Chronologies
- Practitioner’s Guide to Chronologies
- Supporting Children and Families During COVID19
- Evaluation and Engagement tools and websites
- Good Practice Guide for Elected Members, Staff and Volunteers
- Procedures for Planning and Achieving Permanence
- Integrated Children’s Services Permanence Process
- Managing Contact for Looked After Children
- Moray Meeting Guidance
- Statutes relating to Support for Learning
- Healthy Minds: Mental Health Awareness
- Ukraine Psychological Wellbeing Advice Pack – Guidance for Ukrainian Arrivals
- Post-16 transitions
- Practice Guidance: Custody of Children and Young People Convicted on Indictment Under Section 205(2) or Section 208 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995
- CHILD’S ADOPTION AND PERMANENCE REPORT (CAPR) SCOTLAND Guidance notes for completion of CAPR
- Moray’s Children’s Services Plan
- Supporting Transgender Pupils In Schools
- Guidance for off-site excursions
- Meeting Support Needs – Handbook for Literacy Difficulties including Dyslexia
- Building Better Relationships – Anti-Bullying Guidance
- Further Information
- GIRFEC
- Child’s Plan
- Wellbeing (SHANARRI)
- Named Person
- Getting it right for your child (baby)
- Getting it right for your child (early years)
- Getting it right for your child (primary age)
- Getting it right for your child (secondary age)
- Getting it right for your child (home educated young person)
- 16+ Named person service
- Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People
- Care Alliance Scotland
- Workforce Briefings
- County Lines and Cuckooing 7 Minute Brief
- Neglect 7 Minute Brief
- Poverty 7 Minute Brief
- National Guidance for Child Protection 7 Minute Brief
- CP Workforce Briefing No 1 IRD Teams Pilot
- CP Workforce Briefing No 2 IRD Record Template
- CP Workforce Briefing No 3 Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM)
- CP Workforce Briefing No 4 Appendix – Concern Definitions
- CP Workforce Briefing No 4 Concerns and Timescales
- CP Workforce Briefing No 5 Child Protection Planning Meetings (CPPMs)
- CP Workforce Briefing No 6 Moray Child Protection Procedures 2023
- CP Workforce Briefing No 7 Support in Pregnancy Pathway
- Escalation Procedures 1 Page Brief
- Reflective Case Discussion (RCD) 1 Page Brief
- Graded Care Profile 2 One Page Brief
- Support and Protection of Children and Young People Toolkit
- Age of Criminal Responsibility Scotland Act 2019
- Childs voice infant best practice guidelines infant pledge
- Equa-protection act FAQ
- Fabricated illness Perplexing Presentations Guidance
- Neglect Child Protection Understanding Neglect
- Neglect Core information emotional neglect
- Neglect Core information emotional neglect abuse
- Neglect Core information neglect emotional abuse teenagers 13-18
- Child Protection Policy
- North-East-CCE-SOC-Protocol-V4
- Scottish Government Responding to female genital mutilation multi-agency guidance
Training- For more detailed information about courses please see our Child Protection Learning Opportunities leaflet
Moray – Let’s Chat Online SafetyAs part of the ‘Moray – Let’s Chat Online Safety’ campaign delivered by The Moray Child Protection Committee (MCPC) and NSPCC Scotland, we created a series of videos answering questions from parents and carers about how to help keep their children safe online.
Moray – Let’s Chat Online Safety PDF
Online Safety In Moray
Our first video featured Angela Ryan from the Moray Child Protection Committee.
Advice on getting your child a phone
Our second video tackled the difficult decision of knowing when to get your child their first smartphone. Here’s Euan Graham, NSPCC Scotland’s Local Campaigns Officer, with some advice that parents and carers might want to consider:
How to set up your Child’s devices safely PDF
What’s good about being online
Next, Kirsteen Carmichael from NHS Grampian discussed how being online is a fantastic way for children to get information, stay connected and have fun, but also offers some good advice on talking to your child about staying safe online:
Parental Controls Part 1
Our next video featured Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland’s Local Campaigns Manager, who offered some top tips on parental controls, how to make the most of them and how to support children to understand them.
How to stay safe online
What does it mean to be safe online? – Digital Youth Worker Marc Doherty offered some top tips to help keep children safe online and explained that part of his role involves breaking down the barriers around what’s scary about being online and educating young people on how to stay safe online:
Advice if your child has shared a nude image
Gail Sayles, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager, had some useful advice on sources of support and how we can help children affected by having a nude image shared online. We know that this can be a very upsetting and stressful experience for a child and their families but help is available – watch the video to find out more:
Sexting – Online Safety Tips for Parents and Carers PDF
Sextortion – Online Safety Tips for Parents and Carers PDF
Having regular conversations is key
Euan Graham, NSPCC Scotland’s Local Campaigns Officer explained that you don’t have to be a tech expert to keep children safe. Regular conversations are essential to support children and young people and this video explores this fundamental campaign message in more detail.
Online bullying advice
Carla Malseed, NSPCC Scotland, chatted about online bullying, what it is, the impact it can have and how we can support children who have been affected by it.
Back To School – Online Safety Tips for Parents and Carers PDF
Peer Pressure – Online Safety Tips for Parents and Carers PDF
Parental Controls Part 2
Gail Sayles, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager, looked further at parental controls and gave more tips and advice on how to make the most of them.
Local Information- Child Protection and Wellbeing Policy
- Child Protection and Wellbeing Procedures
- Child Protection Case Conference Procedure 2016
- Child Protection Planning Meetings
- Child Trafficking Guidance
- Escalation Protocol between SCRA and Moray Council 2018
- Home Conditions Check List
A short neglect briefing and a home conditions checklist to provide support to the workforce in early identification of support needs has been developed. During the Covid-19 restrictions, the checklist was adapted for use by Moray Council tradesmen teams who were attending call-outs to houses and therefore in a position to spot potential signs of neglect. - Information Sharing Guidance
- Local Trafficking Guidance
- County Lines and Cuckooing
- Moray Significant Case Review Procedure 2017
- Moray Vulnerable Pregnancy Pathway
- NHS Grampian Child Protection Strategy
- Practitioner Information Sheet – Child Sexual Exploitation 2016
- Practitioner Information Sheet – Sexting
- Quality Standards Report
- Revised Age Assessment Good Practice Guidance for Social Workers
- Self-evaluation Report for January 2020
- Neglect Pathway – Medical Neglect Assessment
- Poverty
- Graded Care Profile 2
- Strategies and Frameworks
- Learning and Development Strategy
- Moray Multiagency Case Escalation
- Moray Multiagency Reflective Case Discussion Procedure
- Moray Multiagency Child Protection Procedures
- Multiagency Secure Care Procedures
- Quality Assurance and Performance Framework
- Moray Parenting Strategy
- Moray’s Local Integrated Assessment and Planning (LIAP) Procedures
-
Moray Child Protection Committee
The Role of Moray Child Protection CommitteeOn the 1st April 2013 the Moray Child Protection Committee took over many aspects of the role previously provided by the North East Scotland Child Protection Committee (NESCPC).
The chair of the MCPC is the Head of Integrated Children’s Services and the vice chair is Head of Primary Care, Prevention and Child Health, NHS Grampian.
Moray Child Protection Committee (MCPC) is the inter-agency strategic partnership responsible for the design, development, publication, distribution, dissemination, implementation and evaluation of child protection policy and practice across local public, private and third sector organisations and in partnership across Scotland. We provide individual and collective leadership and direction for the management of child protection services in Moray on behalf of the Moray Public Protection Chief Officers Group. MCPC has representatives from all agencies in Moray with responsibility for Child Protection arrangements; Social Work, Police Scotland, Health, Education, Children’s Hearings, Housing and the Third Sector. MCPC meets several times a year and provides the governance for all multi agency aspects of Child Protection across Morayshire. Its main functions are public information, continuous improvement and strategic planning with its core being effective multi agency working as this ensures the protection and safety of Moray’s children and young people. It aims to support the multi-agency workforce and members of the public to ensure Moray is the best place in Scotland to grow up and to promote the care and welfare of our children and to protect them from abuse and harm.
MembershipChairperson: Continuing Support Services Manager Vice Chair: Head of Primary Care, Prevention and Child Health, NHS Grampian Committee: 3 x Councillors from The Moray Council Corporate Director Legal Services Manager Third Sector Representative Armed Forces Representative Domestic Abuse Forum Representative Partnership Officer – Child Protection National GuidanceThe roles, responsibilities of Child Protection Committees are set out in the Scottish Executives “Protecting Children and ‘Young People: Child Protection Committees”. It also outlines the role of other groups which relate to these bodies, underlining in particular the need for child protection work to be closely linked to integrated children’s services planning, GIRFEC and Community Planning.
Please see the latest National Guidelines for further information on Child Protection Committees.
MCPC forms one aspect of a range of partnership structures within Morayshire. These partnership structures are governed by the Chief Officers Group who are represented by each agency and provide the leadership and support that these partnership structures require. Agencies within these structures are made up of organisations that work together on a multi-agency basis to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults, children, young people and their families across Aberdeen City.
Click on the links below to find out more about the different areas of public protection, and the related partnerships.
Annual ReportsThe Moray CPC reports to The Moray Public Protection Chief Officers Group, who provide strategic leadership and scrutiny to the public protection work of their respective agencies and to inter-agency work.
Chief Officers in Moray are individually and collectively responsible for the leadership, direction and scrutiny of their respective Child Protection and Adult Support & Protection Committees and are linked to public protection partnerships and groups, which include the Alcohol and Drug Partnership, Violence against Woman and Girls Partnership and the Moray Community Justice Partnership.
Since 2020 Moray Child Protection Committee Annual Reports have been integrated with Moray Children’s Services Plan Annual Reports.
- Moray Child Protection Committee Annual Report 2018/19
- Moray Child Protection Committee Annual Report 2018
- Moray Child Protection Committee Annual Report 2017/18
- Moray Child Protection Committee Annual Report 2016/17
- The Role of the Moray Child Protection Committee
- Membership
- National Guidance
- Moray Child Protection Committee Meeting Minutes
- Moray Child Protection Committee Training
Moray Child Protection Committee Meeting MinutesThe Committee
- Constitution
- Fred McBride is the Independent Chair of the Moray Child Protection Committee.
- Voting Members
- Detective Chief Inspector Public Protection Unit, Police Scotland
- SCRA Regional Manager
- Lead Nurse for Child Protection
- Childrens Hearings Scotland Area Convener
- Chief Social Work Officer/ Head of Service Health & Social Care Moray
- Independent Chair of Child Protection Committee
- Third Sector Representative
- Ministry of Defence Representative
- Service Manager, Children & Families and Justice Social Work
- Chief Education Officer, Moray Council
- Attendees
- Housing Services Representative
- Care Inspectorate Strategic Link Inspector
- Public Protection Lead Officer
- Child Protection Improvement Officer
- Specialist Nurse Child Protection
- Mental Health Service Manager
- Children & Families Health Services Lead
- Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) Lead Officer
- Quality Improvement Officer Education
- National Guidance
Publications
- Public Reports
- National Publications
- Local Publications :
For more information contact us…
mcpc@moray.gov.uk