Tackling drug and alcohol problem is crucial to protecting our children

5 Jul 2012

The Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) have revealed that more than a fifth of child protection orders issued in the last year were for babies less than three weeks old.

The total number of orders – which can be granted by a Sheriff where immediate action is needed to protect a child – issued for youngsters rose for the fourth consecutive year, increasing by 15 per cent from 678 in 2010/11 to 781 in 2011/12.

Of these, 166 were aged under 20 days-old and 383 were aged under two years.

Scottish Conservative education spokeswoman Liz Smith MSP said:

“Each case represents a blighted young life and the fact remains that many children are suffering from having at least one parent dependent on drugs or alcohol.

“Particularly harrowing is the number of child protection cases, especially the high number for babies less than three weeks old.

“Far too many young parents are faced with considerable emotional and sometimes physical pressures at such a crucial stage in a child’s development.

“Sadly, drugs and alcohol abuse will all too often play a major part in the need to protect the unborn children.

“No child deserves a troubled start in life and we must do everything we can to change this reality.”

 

Please go to the link below for the report:

http://www.scra.gov.uk/cms_resources/Online%20Stats%202011-12.pdf