Family Unit
In January 1989 we set up the Family Unit, which at the time was the first joint police and social work collaboration in the United Kingdom to specifically deal with matters relative to child protection.
We continue to recognise the critical importance of protecting children and as such specially trained officers work within the Family Unit at Falkirk Police Office.
The unit is made up of a detective sergeant, six detective constables and two acting detective constables, who work closely with their colleagues in social work, health services, education and a range of voluntary organisations.
Children in most homes throughout Forth Valley are looked after within the context of loving, caring and nurturing relationships. These children are cared for in a way that allows them to develop their full potential towards adulthood.
There are some children and young people who, for various reasons and through no fault of their own, are given less than the best start in life. Sometimes, this results from circumstances where all that is needed is a little help to change things for the better.
There are other times however, where children suffer harm due to the behaviour of their parents, carers or others who they come into contact with. This harm can be sexual, physical or emotional and can, in many cases, if not dealt with effectively, have serious consequences for the child now and into the future.
The units deal with all types of child abuse, including, physical, sexual and emotional as well as neglect. There are also occasions where children reside in environments where domestic abuse and parental drug or alcohol abuse are issues for the child's welfare. These instances might also form part of the work within the units.
Another aspect of the work carried out is in relation to adults who disclose having been sexually abused as children. More and more adults are now coming forward regarding this and the units are also sensitive to their needs within the context of an investigation.
All the staff of the Family Unit work in plain clothes and use unmarked vehicles.
Partnership Working
Central Scotland Police is committed to providing the highest quality of service to anyone living in or visiting Forth Valley. We regularly work in conjunction with our partners in the Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannan areas who in addition to supporting the investigative processes, provide other services to support persons involved or affected by Child Protection or Historic Abuse incidents. Individual services provided by various councils can be accessed through each internet site.
Child Protection Investigations
Where concerns are raised that a child might be at risk of harm, the first step of the process is for agencies to lawfully share any relevant information they might have. Based on the nature of the concern and the available information, discussions are held, primarily between police and social work. Sometimes a police surgeon or a paediatrician need to be involved.
The outcome of the discussion will be to decide which course of action should be taken to represent what is considered to be in the best interests of that child.
Whatever course of action is decided upon, it will encompass the most sensitive approach possible.
One part of the investigation might be to interview the child. This sometimes worries adults and children. The interviews are carried out by specially trained police officers and social workers. Sometimes a supportive adult can also be present, but once again that depends on what reflects the best interests of that particular child.
The objective of the interview is for the police officer and the social worker to obtain a truthful and accurate account in a way that is fair, in the child's best interests and is acceptable to a court.
The interview is conducted in a place that is safe for the child. That might be the child's own house, another house, school or a specialist unit.
During the interview, everything possible is done to make the child feel supported and comfortable.
Another part of the investigative process might involve a medical examination. Again discussions take place to decide whether conducting an examination is going to be in that particular child's best interests. The examinations are carried out by specialist doctors who are qualified in paediatrics and forensic medicine.
Who can help a child who is at risk of harm?
There are many agencies and organisations throughout Forth Valley which offer services to help children and young people who are at risk of harm. Central Scotland Police is just one of these agencies and one of the most important things is that everyone works together to achieve the best possible outcome for a child.
Sometimes a child might depend on an adult who is not a professional but is a relative, friend, neighbour or indeed anyone to do something about their plight. That adult must be firstly aware that a problem might exist. They then must do something positive in an effort to help change any harmful situation. Failing to react, delaying or even assuming that someone else will do something about it might consign the child to continuing harm with long term effects.
The simple message is that it is everybody's business to protect children and young people from harm. Anybody who comes into contact with children should know what to do if they have concerns that a child is at risk of harm.
What should I do if I am worried a child is at risk of harm?
First of all - do not ignore your concern, delay taking action or assume that someone else will do something about it. If, following investigation, there is no cause for concern then little harm will be caused. If there is cause for concern, then your action will contribute towards providing the potential for a positive outcome for that child and change their life. What is important is that if you have a concern about a child then talk to someone about it.
What will happen if I talk to someone about a concern I have for a child?
In short, it depends on the circumstances. Some situations have to be dealt with as a matter of urgency whereas the majority can be dealt with in a way, which can be carefully planned. Whatever happens, the police will act together with colleagues from social work to ensure that the matter is dealt with sensitively and thoroughly.
Many people hesitate before contacting child protection services due to fears that the involvement of police or social work will cause the child to be taken into care. It is only in extreme circumstances where no other options are available to protect the child that this option is taken. In the vast majority of situations, the child is protected within the family home with extra help and protective mechanisms being put into place.
Remember - It will do more harm to do nothing about a child you think may be the subject of abuse or neglect than to act positively and for a sensitively conducted investigation to take place to confirm the child is not at risk.
Who should I contact if I am concerned a child is at risk of harm?
If you consider the matter is urgent then you should call Central Scotland Police control room on (01786) 456000 or Out of Hours Social Work Departments Emergency Duty Team on (01786) 470500.
You will be able to speak to someone there 24 hours a day.
If the matter is not urgent you can speak with officers from the Family Unit during office hours on (01324) 678884.
Historic Abuse
We have a specific unit operating within the Family Unit which is dedicated to the investigation of adult victims of abuse as children. The unit is staffed by experienced police officers who are specially trained to deal with this type of enquiry in a sympathetic and professional manner.
We acknowledge the sensitive nature of these types of investigations often involves friends or close relations. We are committed to providing support and liaison with partner agencies throughout and after the process.
Child Protection Inter-Agency Guidelines
All children and young people have a right to be protected from harm and every agency involved with working with children has a fundamental dury of care towards them. An inter-agency approach is essential to the effective management of child protection.
