This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7726276.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Aberdeen child protection slated Aberdeen child protection slated
(30 minutes later)
Children living at risk of abuse or neglect are not being given adequate protection, according to a report on Aberdeen child protection services. Children living at risk of abuse or neglect are not being given adequate protection, according to a report on Aberdeen's child protection services.
Inspectors said they were particularly concerned about the numbers of children living in high risk situations with drug-abusing parents.Inspectors said they were particularly concerned about the numbers of children living in high risk situations with drug-abusing parents.
In their report, most services were rated weak or unsatisfactory.In their report, most services were rated weak or unsatisfactory.
Children's Minister Adam Ingram has contacted the city council to ensure urgent action was taken. The council's chief executive, Robert Coomber, said he was confident that the necessary changes would be made.
Inspectors visited Aberdeen in April and May, and in their report they claimed the approach to joint child protection investigations carried out by the police and social work was inconsistent and both police and social workers had not always completed the relevant training. He said the council's SNP/Lib Dem administration had faced recent challenges and there was clearly still much work to be done.
The report claimed effective action was not taken until crisis point had been reached when there was high levels of risk. Labour councillor Barney Crockett said: "I think it's the latest in a series of damning reports about the present administration and it's bound to make everyone in this city worry about the safety of our children.
"However, I would like to express confidence in the moves that have come very recently to improve the accountability of social work and other services in the council."
Children's Minister Adam Ingram contacted the city council to ensure urgent action was being taken.
'Crisis point'
Inspectors visited Aberdeen in April and May. In their report they claimed the approach to joint child protection investigations carried out by the police and social work was inconsistent, and both police and social workers had not always completed the relevant training.
The report claimed effective action was not taken until crisis point had been reached, when there were high levels of risk.
There was then an over-reliance by social work staff on working voluntarily with parents, it said.There was then an over-reliance by social work staff on working voluntarily with parents, it said.
Inspectors said appropriate legal measures were not used even in some of the most serious and high risk cases. Inspectors said appropriate legal measures were not used, even in some of the most serious and high-risk cases.
NHS Grampian and the Police were praised for establishing and communicating the values and aims of child protection. NHS Grampian and the police were praised for establishing and communicating the values and aims of child protection.
However, the council was criticised for lack of leadership and direction.However, the council was criticised for lack of leadership and direction.