Child protection plan considered

Brandon Muir, who was known to social workers, was killed by a drug addict

A plan to improve child protection services in Dundee is to be considered by councillors following severe criticism by government inspectors.

The inspectors rated services "weak" or "unsatisfactory" in nine out of the 18 areas they examined.

In particular, they were concerned that it took too long to get help for at-risk children, especially those with drug or alcohol addicted parents.

Councillors will be asked to approve the plan and a review of services.

Infant killed

Child protection in Dundee first came under fire following the death of 23-month-old Brandon Muir, who was killed by his mother's drug addict boyfriend.

Robert Cunningham is serving 10 years in jail for the culpable homicide of the boy.

It emerged during the court case that the social work department had been involved with Brandon a year before his death.

Child protection services were examined by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) who studied the work of the council, police, NHS Tayside, the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration and voluntary and independent groups.

The HMIe report did not consider Brandon's case but its publication was brought forward following the court verdict.

The inspectors' report stated that many children did not get help until their situation had reached crisis levels.

Improvement points

In response, an improvement plan containing 34 points of action has been drawn up.

They include orders that the social work head of children's services be informed immediately if an emergency placement cannot be found for youngsters.

There are recommendations that a further 14 people be trained as child protection case supervisors to support frontline staff at NHS Tayside, that information recording is improved to capture significant events in the life of the child, and that training is given so staff have a shared understanding of factors which give cause for concern.

In addition, a review would be carried out into areas such as the speed of response to concerns about children and the quality of the assessments made of youngsters who have drug addict or alcoholic parents.

Monthly meetings by the head of services will be held to make sure the improvement plan is put into practice.