Report
to the People
17th
February 2003
Protection of Children
Most of us remember where we were when, on Wednesday 13th March 1996, we learned of the Dunblane tragedy. I’m sure I’m not the only one who was left upset, furious and bewildered by the realisation that anyone would want to inflict such cruelty on defenceless fellow human beings.
And I’m sure that, for many of us, the recent discussions about whether to publish the background report on the killer have brought these unpleasant memories flooding back.
This stark reminder that some adults (albeit a small number) pose a threat to children was certainly weighing heavily on MSPs’ minds last week as we passed the final stage of the Protection of Children Bill.
One of the aspects of the Dunblane case which I found most shocking was the fact that the killer had been given such apparent ready access to children – being able to run boys clubs and even organise a string of summer camps.
This Bill is designed to make sure such a situation will never be allowed to happen again by creating a list of adults who are regarded as unsuitable to work with children.
Under the new law, every time someone working for an organisation, whether as a paid employee or an unpaid volunteer, harms a child, or puts a child at risk of harm, and is dismissed or moved to a position that does not involve working with children, the organisation must report them to Scottish Executive Ministers for referral to the list.
Failing to do so is an offence.
Similarly, unless they have a very good reason for doing otherwise, the courts must refer those convicted of certain offences involving children.
And not only does anyone on the list commit an offence if they work with children, so does their employer.
Obviously, as Education and Young People Minister, Cathy Jamieson, said, this legislation will not safeguard children on its own. It has to be used alongside other measures such as increased access to criminal record checks and the reform of child protection services. But, as part of a comprehensive protective framework, it will help root out dangerous and predatory adults, while at the same time not preventing good people from helping out at (and hence not endangering the future of) youth organisations.
Whether it’s BB, Brownies, under 11’s football, or a summer play scheme, children should have the right to make the most of their childhood. And parents should feel confident that they can let their children enjoy this right in safety. I hope that the Scottish Parliament has gone some way to making these rights a reality.
Back to Current Reports to the People
[ HOME ] [ News ] [ Articles ] [ Calendar ] [ Contacts ] [ Links ] [ E-Mail ]
[ Copyright ] [ UK Online ] [ Scottish Parliament ]