Enhancing child protection

Full Article: http://www.stopinjusticenow.com/news/archive/2009/march/10/05.htm

A system allowing child protection agencies across Scotland to share information quicker and better ensure safeguards are in place for those at risk is to be developed over the coming year.
The Pfund1.5 million Vulnerable Person's System (VPS) will help agencies react faster to changes in a child's circumstances in the future to keep them safe from neglect and abuse.
The VPS - which will also cover vulnerable adults - will initially allow police forces to share secure, accurate and up-to-date information electronically but will be open to other agencies in due course.
Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop, who will announce funding for the VPS at a multi-agency child protection hub in Edinburgh today, said:
''Child protection is everybody's business and we all have a duty to look out for young people and speak up if we have concerns about their welfare.
''The sickening death of little Brandon Muir has been a terrible reminder to us all why safeguards for Scotland's children are so important. His killer only moved into the family home weeks before, showing how quickly circumstances can change and why it's vital agencies get the most up-to-date information possible.
''Scotland already has the most robust child protection inspection system in the UK but it is imperative that we continue to ensure quick, effective support is put in place for vulnerable people.