Children’s hearing system needs a champion

The Scottish childcare system is overburdened and in desperate
need of a children’s commissioner according to Alan Miller,
principal reporter of the Scottish Children’s Reporter
Administration (SCRA).

Miller made the comments after releasing SCRA’s latest
statistics which indicate a 54 per cent increase in referrals to
the children’s hearing system since 1998/99 on grounds of
care and protection. SCRA attribute the rise to an increase in
addiction problems among parents, and an enhanced awareness of
domestic abuse within police forces. Referrals on care and
protection grounds have increased by 1,700 per cent since 1972, and
now outweigh referrals for offending behaviour.

Miller said: “Children need a champion in public life because so
many decisions are made by politicians that impact on their lives.
We need someone who can bring childcare into focus.”

Cathy Jamieson, minister for education and young people, is
currently considering a parliamentary report recommending the
implementation of a children’s commissioner.