A one day conference will look at child protection issues across the Forth Valley area on Friday 31 October.
It has been organised in response to a number of high profile investigations and convictions in England which have raised public awareness of child sexual exploitation as a child protection issue.
‘Child Sexual Exploitation’ has been organised by Falkirk Child Protection Committee and Clackmannanshire and Stirling Child Protection Committee to raise awareness among staff and managers of child sexual exploitation. The committees are also working with the Scottish Government and the University of Bedfordshire to pilot data monitoring and strategic self assessment tools relating to child sexual exploitation in Scotland.
Councillor Jim Blackwood, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Public Protection said: “This is a very important area of work and bringing together expertise will ensure our children are better protected now and in the future. Sharing good practice is vital to ensure the wellbeing of children and young people as well as protecting them from harm.”
Speakers at the one day conference include:
- Catherine Duggan, Head of Child Protection Policy, Scottish Government
- Dr Paul Rigby, Social Work Lecturer, University of Stirling
- Detective Inspector Dougie McKinlay, Police Scotland
Professionals working with children and families across the Forth Valley area can attend including staff from Social work, Police Scotland, Education, GPs, foster carers and community education.
The conference will be held on 31st October at Stirling Community Hospital.
The conference was funded by Falkirk, Clackmannanshire and Stirling Councils, NHS Forth valley and Police Scotland.