Kennedy McFarlane died after being abused

First Minister Jack McConnell said it would provide clear guidelines for all agencies involved in the care of vulnerable youngsters.

The eight standards are:

• Children get the help they need when they need it

  Employees can demonstrate that they prevent abuse by supporting vulnerable families and tackling problems early.

• Professionals take timely and effective action to protect children

  Staff who come into contact with children, or adults caring for them, recognise and are alert to the signs that children may need help or protection.

• Professionals ensure children are listened to and respected

  They get to know each child and build reliable relationships with them. Agencies ensure there is continuity and regularity of contact.

• Agencies and professionals share information about children where this is necessary to protect them

  They discuss any concerns and relevant information about a child or their circumstances with those other professionals or agencies with statutory responsibilities for the protection of children when it is in the child's best interests to do so.

• Agencies and professionals work together to assess needs and risks and develop effective plans

  Assessment reports clearly distinguish fact from opinion and provide evidence in support of opinions.

• Professionals are competent and confident

  Those who work directly with children understand child development and are skilled and experienced in communicating with children.

• Agencies work in partnership with members of the community to protect children

  Workers and agencies make children aware of their right to be safe and to be protected.

• Agencies, individually and collectively, demonstrate leadership and accountability for their work and its effectiveness

  Agencies actively promote joint working through joint planning, training and monitoring arrangements. Agencies are responsible for ensuring that their staff work with other professionals to achieve better outcomes for each child.

The three-year reform programme for child protection services was announced in 2002 following a report into the death of Kennedy McFarlane.