A study explored the experience of acute discharge for people in Scotland who had spent between a week and six months as a psychiatric in-patient. The findings pointed to a need for ward based discharge co-ordinators who would contribute to the development of an 'integrated care pathway' for people identified as requiring a range of inputs in order to sustain community placement.
Source: Lucy Simons, Alison Petch and Richard Caplan, 'Don't They Call it Seamless Care?': A Study of Acute Psychiatric Discharge, Scottish Executive, TSO (0870 606 5566)
Links: Report (pdf) | Report | Summary (pdf) | Summary
Date: 2002-Dec
The full report was published of a study of home supervision of children in Scotland who have appeared at children's hearings.
Source: Cathy Murray, Christine Hallett, Neil McMillan and June Watson, Children (Scotland) Act 1995: Home Supervision, Scottish Executive (web publication only)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary
Date: 2002-Dec
A report reviewed services for vulnerable families in Scotland with very young children. It was found that, despite an extensive range of services and many instances of excellent practice, parents feel frontline staff are not always able to offer the right kinds of help at the right time and can appear unsympathetic or unhelpful.
Source: Growing Support: A Review of Services for Vulnerable Families with Very Young Children, Scottish Executive, TSO (0870 606 5566)
Links: Report (pdf) | Report
Date: 2002-Dec
A review examined policy, practice and research in Scotland regarding young disabled people as they become adults, and made a series of recommendations for improving support.
Source: Kirsten Stalker, Young Disabled People Moving into Adulthood in Scotland, Foundations N42, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (01904 629241)
Links: JRF Foundations N42
Date: 2002-Nov
Failings in child protection services in Scotland
An official report found that half of children at risk of abuse or neglect in Scotland are not being adequately protected or cared for.
Source: 'It s everyone s job to make sure I m alright': Report of the Child Protection Audit and Review, Scottish Executive, TSO (0870 606 5566)
Links: Report | Press release | Community Care article
Date: 2002-Nov
A discussion document was published aimed at encouraging local and national debate on the meaning and importance of mental health and well-being in Scotland.
Source: With Health in Mind: Improving mental health and well-being in Scotland, Scottish Public Mental Health Alliance, available from Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health (0131 555 5959)
Links: Report (pdf) | SE press release
Date: 2002-Oct
The Scottish Executive published a Bill which will create a list of persons considered unsuitable to work with children. Employers will refer people for inclusion on the list who have been sacked or moved as a result of unsuitable behaviour towards children, even if not convicted of a criminal offence.
Source: Protection of Children (Scotland) Bill, Scottish Executive, TSO (0870 606 5566)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Sep
The Scottish Executive published a report on the development of a 'resource use measure' in Scotland, aimed at ensuring fair and equitable access to resources for older people.
Source: Press release 25.9.02, Scottish Executive (0131 244 1111)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Sep
From 1 September 2002 many carers in Scotland will have extended rights; in particular, carers will be entitled to an assessment of their needs whenever they want, regardless of whether the person they care for is also being assessed.
Source: Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002, Scottish Executive, TSO (0870 606 5566)
Links: Act | Press release
Date: 2002-Sep
A Mental Health Bill will provide new procedures in Scotland for compulsory care and treatment, a new mental health tribunal, stronger duties on local authorities to provide care and support services, and new rights for mental health service users.
Source: Mental Health (Scotland) Bill, Scottish Executive, TSO (0870 606 5566)
Links: Text of Bill | Press release
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/2, Digest 122, paragraph 2.7
Date: 2002-Sep
The Scottish Executive announced its intention to scrap deferred waiting lists, in the interests of greater 'transparency', leaving a single list for everybody waiting for inpatient and day care treatment.
Source: Press release 27.8.02, Scottish Executive (0131 244 1111)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Aug
A report examined ways of improving throughcare and aftercare services in Scotland for looked-after children.
Source: Report from the Working Group on the Throughcare and Aftercare of Looked After Children in Scotland, Scottish Executive, TSO (0870 606 5566)
Links: Report (pdf) | Report
Date: 2002-Aug
An advisory group produced the first ever official report on medical workforce planning in Scotland. The Scottish Executive accepted most of its recommendations.
Source: Future Practice: A Review of the Scottish Medical Workforce ('Temple Report'), Scottish Executive (0131 556 8400) | Future Practice: A Review of the Scottish Medical Workforce: The Response of the Scottish Executive, Scottish Executive
Links: Report (pdf) | Response (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Jul
Researchers found significant variations in arrangements for young people in Scotland leaving care.
Source: J. Dixon and M. Stein, Still a Bairn: Throughcare and Aftercare Services in Scotland, Scottish Executive (web only)
Links: Report (pdf)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 30/3, Digest 119 (paragraph 5.3)
Date: 2002-Jun
Researchers found significant benefits from the 'Sure Start' programme (for vulnerable and deprived families with young children) in Scotland.
Source: S. Cunningham-Burley et al., Sure Start Scotland Mapping Exercise, Scottish Executive (web only)
Links: Report (pdf)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 30/3, Digest 119 (paragraph 3.2)
Date: 2002-May
