Child protection services north of the border have been boosted by the launch of a new information line.

The 24-hour service permits straightforward access to vital services for vulnerable children, allowing callers to share concerns with the most appropriate local agency, or speak to a trained operator on a confidential line.

“All children deserve the best possible start in life but too many find their young lives blighted by abuse or neglect,” said Scottish education minister Hugh Henry.

“For those vulnerable youngsters, it’s vital that they get help as soon as possible. That means that we all have a duty to step in if we fear a child is in trouble.

“We must never assume that the authorities - police, social work or education - are already aware of the situation,” he concluded.

Running the hotline will set the Scottish Executive’s Child Protection Reform Programme back in the region of £200,000 each year and will meet a commitment outlined in the Children’s Charter of March 2004.

Operators will either recommend the best course of action to callers, or transfer them to the most relevant department, when they dial the Child Protection Line on 0800 022 3222.

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