RESPECT NOT NEGLECT Legislation planned to make emotional abuse of children a criminal offence
PARENTS who emotionally abuse or neglect children are to face criminal charges, the Scottish Government announced yesterday.
The proposals, which will also cover teachers, carers and other people in a position of trust, were published as part of an update to 80-year-old legislation.
The existing Children and Young Persons Act focuses on physical injuries to health.
A consultation will start later this year to work out how to define the new proposals in law.
Statistics from July 2015 show there were 2751 children on the child protection register, with 39 per cent the subject of emotional abuse and 37 per cent suffering from neglect.
Childcare Minister Mark McDonald announced his plans on the day a review of child protection was published by an independent expert.
McDonald said: “Catherine Dyer’s review concludes that in general, our child protection system works well.
“However, both she and the child protection improvement programme report have identified opportunities to strengthen all aspects of the system to better protect our children.
“I have accepted all of these recommendations in full and set out how they will be implemented swiftly and effectively. Importantly, we will introduce legislation to make the emotional abuse and neglect of children a criminal offence, updating an 80-year old law whose archaic language has resulted in difficulties prosecuting offences.”
The SNP Government will also publish a national child protection policy to support families and protect children.
Ministers will explore how to establish a national child protection register to better protect young people on local registers who move to a different area.
National standards will be drawn up for those carrying out significant case reviews, while the role of the Care Inspectorate will be expanded.
Opposition parties broadly welcomed the plan but raised concern about the pace of change and any impact on stretched social services.
Children in Scotland chief executive Jackie Brock, who was a member of the review group, said: “We commend the Scottish Government for recognising the need to strengthen our systems while acknowledging there are already strong foundations in place. But we can’t be complacent.
“I therefore warmly welcome the commitment for continued monitoring to ensure the recommendations are fully met and actioned.”
I will get on with my priority of raising attainment in our schools and closing the attainment gap. I have said that is my priority, and it will continue to be so.