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As I said earlier in the week every councillor and everyone associated with Dundee City Council has to take the report by HMI(e) on Child Protection very seriously indeed. It is important that we listen to what everyone has to say on Wednesday evening and then look for a way to improve Child Protection in the city. My colleague Kevin Keenan has issued a statement which sets out our group's approach to this report. Kevin Keenan's statement is copied below.
Statement by Councillor Kevin Keenan, Leader of the Labour Group Dundee City Council
Action Plan in relation to the HMI(e) Report on Children’s Services
This is one of the most serious issues that Dundee City Council has had to face and we all must take our roles and responsibilities very seriously and support an Action Plan that will move the delivery of service forward.
We are all responsible as corporate parents, therefore it is ultimately important that Dundee City Council and its Partners take immediate and decisive action to address the failed service.
As corporate parents, we must not lose sight of the needs of any child in Dundee and most importantly the 630 children currently looked after in our care. We must also ensure that there is no other child out there requiring care and protection.
Numbers of these children have parents who lead chaotic lifestyles and these children don’t receive the care and nurture that they require. Whilst we recognise that no system is ever foolproof we must endeavour to get as close as possible.
The Labour Group on Dundee City Council will support immediate action:-
1 We would like more detail so as to be able to fully understand the 30 point Action Plan and the impact that each point will have to address the short falls in this Report. The Partners, the public and Councillors must fully understand this plan and how it will improve the delivery of service to young people in our city.
2 We support a Best Value and Scrutiny Review of the Action Plan but to keep focus would insist that these meetings take place in public with the press invited to attend.
3 Progress of the Action Plan should be reported monthly to the City Council with a full progress Report being submitted to the City Council prior to its submission to the HMI(e) within 4 months.
4 We would support the call for a National Inquiry on Child Protection. We need to devise a new Child Protection system in Scotland. We must aim for a Scotland where no child is left at risk.
It is vital for the Council and all its Partners to clearly demonstrate transparency and openness and give assurances to the general public that each child will receive the best possible care to avoid the repetition of any tragedy.
This is not the time for party politics; it's time to move forward. I hope these proposals will be supported by every councillor, in the best interests of Dundee's children because these are our bairns.
Statement by Councillor Kevin Keenan, Leader of the Labour Group Dundee City Council
Action Plan in relation to the HMI(e) Report on Children’s Services
This is one of the most serious issues that Dundee City Council has had to face and we all must take our roles and responsibilities very seriously and support an Action Plan that will move the delivery of service forward.
We are all responsible as corporate parents, therefore it is ultimately important that Dundee City Council and its Partners take immediate and decisive action to address the failed service.
As corporate parents, we must not lose sight of the needs of any child in Dundee and most importantly the 630 children currently looked after in our care. We must also ensure that there is no other child out there requiring care and protection.
Numbers of these children have parents who lead chaotic lifestyles and these children don’t receive the care and nurture that they require. Whilst we recognise that no system is ever foolproof we must endeavour to get as close as possible.
The Labour Group on Dundee City Council will support immediate action:-
1 We would like more detail so as to be able to fully understand the 30 point Action Plan and the impact that each point will have to address the short falls in this Report. The Partners, the public and Councillors must fully understand this plan and how it will improve the delivery of service to young people in our city.
2 We support a Best Value and Scrutiny Review of the Action Plan but to keep focus would insist that these meetings take place in public with the press invited to attend.
3 Progress of the Action Plan should be reported monthly to the City Council with a full progress Report being submitted to the City Council prior to its submission to the HMI(e) within 4 months.
4 We would support the call for a National Inquiry on Child Protection. We need to devise a new Child Protection system in Scotland. We must aim for a Scotland where no child is left at risk.
It is vital for the Council and all its Partners to clearly demonstrate transparency and openness and give assurances to the general public that each child will receive the best possible care to avoid the repetition of any tragedy.
This is not the time for party politics; it's time to move forward. I hope these proposals will be supported by every councillor, in the best interests of Dundee's children because these are our bairns.
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