What the aims and remit of the child protection review are and what plans for consultation there are.

The aims and remit of the child protection review are:AimsTo promote the reduction of abuse or neglect of children, and to improve the services for children who experience abuse or neglect.RemitTo review, throughout Scotland, the practice of medical, nursing, social work, police, children's reporters', education and other public, voluntary and private sector staff to examine how well these:identify those children who may be being abused or neglected;reduce such abuse and neglect; meet these children's needs, andmake plans for the future well being of these children.To review how well agencies work together and public and professional confidence in these services.To review how well professionals work together and public and professional confidence in the way they work.To identify best practice.To learn lessons from international developments in this field.To report and make recommendations to improve professional working and the regulatory framework in which professionals operate.ConsultationA letter seeking the views and comments of individuals and agencies involved in child protection will shortly be sent out. In addition a website is to be launched that, as well as providing information on the review, will offer anyone the opportunity to have their say. The review team is also carrying out a number of initiatives, in partnership with voluntary agencies, designed at getting the views of children and parents. A consultative group has been formed that represents a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies involved in child protection in Scotland. The review team is carrying out individual discussions with experts in child protection and children and parents will be consulted as part of the audit.