Child Protection Procedures - East Ayrshire Council

3.13 Cultural Sensitivity
3.13.1 The Children (Scotland) Act, 1995 (Sections 17 and 22) requires that
when providing services and making significant decisions to
safeguard and promote children’s welfare, a Local Authority shall
have regards so far as is practical to the child’s religious persuasion,
racial origin and cultural and linguistic background.
3.13.2 Where required Social Work staff should access translation and
interpreting services. Interpreters should, wherever possible, be
independent of the local ethnic community, be skilled in interpreting
for Child Protection purposes and be aware of the need to maintain
confidentiality. Children should not be asked to interpret for their
parents or carers in these circumstances. It would not normally be
appropriate to ask other family members to interpret.
3.13.3 Local sources of information and expertise are listed in Appendix 6.
3.13.4 A balanced response much incorporate a cultural perspective, but
guard against being oversensitive to cultural issues at the expense of
failing to promote the safety and well-being of the child. Social
Workers must be aware of the cultural, racial, gender, class and
religious values they bring to assessment. In a
multiracial/multicultural society particular importance must be given
to issues of race and culture.
3.13.5 If required, social work staff can access appropriately qualified
interpreters who can give the child and the family as much support
and guidance as is required. (See Appendix 6).
3.14 Allegations of Abuse Against Foster Carers/Childrens Carers
3.14.1 Investigation of Allegations against Foster Carers
Child Protection Procedures
3.14.1.1 Foster Carers and Childrens Carers/Befrienders are
recruited, approved and supported by the Social work
Department. Each family has a link support worker/family
placement supervisor independent of the children placed
with them, each child having its own Social Worker.
3.14.1.2 When an allegation is made against a carer, or when the
carer is suspected of abuse, specific procedures apply that
ensure an investigation is undertaken by a senior officer of
the Social Work Department, who is independent of the
case.
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