New Police Scotland stop and search code in force

Date: 16th May 2017
Category: Civil Rights and Freedoms

The code says statutory searches must be "necessary, proportionate and in accordance with the law". There is also specific guidance on dealing with children and vulnerable adults.

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New report: Chief Social Work Officers and Secure Care

Date: 16th May 2017
Category: Family Environment and Alternative Care

This report explores how the role and responsibilities of Scotland's Chief Social Work Officers (CSWOs) in relation to secure care are translated in practice.

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Lack of access to mental health services for children and young people

Date: 16th May 2017
Category: Mental health

SAMH have reported that 19 children and young people in Scotland are let down by the mental health system every day. Last year, nearly 7,000 children and young people did not receive help for mental health problems. These figures were released during Mental Health Awareness Week.

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ASN provision in Scotland under severe pressure

Date: 16th May 2017
Category: Inclusive education

The SCSC launched its manifesto ahead of the council elections, warning of a 'lost generation' of children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) if cuts in local authority budgets continue.

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New research shows girls discouraged from politics through the media

Date: 16th May 2017
Category: Non-discrimination

Girlguiding Scotland - the charity for girls and young women - is calling for action following concerns sexist coverage of female politicians is leaving girls feeling side-lined from the political conversation.

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Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Report 2017

Date: 16th May 2017
Category: Non-discrimination

The Scottish Government's Equality, Third Sector & Communities Division have published an update on how Scottish Government is making progress on incorporating equality across its activities and delivering on the equality outcomes set in April 2013.

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New Scottish Social Security powers update

Date: 16th May 2017
Category: Social security

Further details about the new Scottish Social Security Agency were revealed by the Minister for Social Security on 27th April in a ministerial statement to the Scottish Parliament which set out the basic principles of how devolved benefits will be delivered.

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The UK’s compliance with key anti-torture treaty

Date: 16th May 2017
Category: UN Convention Against Torture (CAT)

The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture has released a report on the UK's compliance with a key anti-torture treaty, claiming that none of the prisons visited by the delegation last year "could be considered safe for prisoners or staff".

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Briefing paper: the non-punishment of trafficked children

Date: 16th May 2017
Category: Child trafficking

Children who have been trafficked may also find themselves in conflict with the law through e.g. immigration or criminal offences. This briefing paper assesses the early impact of the new 'non-punishment' provisions, and considers whether the measures that have been put in place are sufficient to protect trafficked children.

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Consultation on Homelessness

Date: 16th May 2017
Category: Family Environment and Alternative Care

The Local Government and Communities Committee has launched a call for written evidence on homelessness. They want to find out the reasons why people can find themselves homeless or threatened with homelessness and what can be done to tackle this effectively.

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