Positive report into child protection services

This involved reading case files from social work, education, health, police, Children's Reporter and voluntary agencies and interviews with children, parents, carers and professionals working with families.

The evaluations made by HMIe were dependent on evidence collected from all agencies involved. The report  was published on7 October and can be found on HMIe?s website and the Child Protection Committee website www.childprotectionwestlothian.org.uk

HMIe detailed West Lothian?s strengths as
- Staff know children and families very well, understand their needs and what to do to help them.
- Improvements in the life chances of vulnerable children and young people as a result of getting the help they need when they need it.
- Quality of initial response when there are concerns about children, including arrangement for medical assessments.
- Successful working relationships and leadership at all levels, securing successful outcomes for children.
- High quality of leadership from senior managers and the sharing of their vision and values by staff across services.

The report also highlights three examples of good multi agency practice involving all agencies in West Lothian. The areas of work highlighted involve reducing alcohol abuse by young people in the area, the improvement of risk assessments by staff through training and auditing and the support provided to women and children where domestic abuse is an issue. 

Chief officers from West Lothian Council, NHS Lothian and Lothian and Borders Police have welcomed the positive evaluation from HMIe. The report is a testament to the strategic priorities in the area of child protection across the agencies within West Lothian and highlights the dedication, professionalism and skill base of the staff who work in this very difficult business area.

Jo MacPherson, who chairs the West Lothian Child Protection Committee, said: "Our committee is very pleased that the hard work of staff has been recognised and we will continue to work towards improving services for the most vulnerable children in West Lothian."