Child protection review announced

Mr Ingram said effective child support was needed

The Scottish Government has announced a wide-ranging review of guidance on child protection practices.

It came after a report into services in Aberdeen, which said children living at risk of abuse or neglect are not being given adequate protection.

Children's Minister Adam Ingram told MSPs that the organisation of children's services in Aberdeen was being redesigned.

He said this included extra training for more than 100 front-line staff.

Mr Ingram said that, as Scotland's latest three-year inspection round was about to end, now was the time for a Scotland-wide review of the guidance.

'Deeply concerning'

He added: "The barbaric abuse suffered by baby P reminds us exactly why we must ensure effective support is in place for vulnerable children."

In their report on Aberdeen child protection services, HMIE inspectors raised concern about the number of children living in high risk situations with drug-abusing parents.

Mr Ingram said the findings of the report were "deeply concerning", adding: "HMIE found organisational and operational barriers that obstructed front line staff in Aberdeen from delivering child protection."

The minister said a risk assessment of 900 existing cases in Aberdeen would be completed within the month, while stressing there had been no budget cuts in protection services in the city.