Services to protect children in Dundee have been praised in the latest inspection report.
Key strengths included the commitment of staff during the pandemic and the strong relationships they forged with youngsters.
Council leader, John Alexander, described the workers’ efforts as "extraordinary" at a time when lockdown and restrictions made “what is already a tough job even more difficult”.
His comments come as the Care Inspectorate publishes a report of a joint inspection of services for children and young people at risk of harm in Dundee City.
Inspectors rate city services as ‘Good’ and highlight key strengths that include committed staff who effectively recognised and responded to concerns, even as the pandemic progressed.
Children and young people ‘felt safer’ as a result of the strong relationships they had with key members of staff and the collaborative approach resulted in the ‘effective development and delivery of a range of multi-agency services’ that helped children at risk of harm.
Councillor Alexander, who is chair of the Dundee Partnership, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank and praise staff who work across city agencies for the actions they carry out every day.
“Staff formed and sustained strong relationships with children and young people which were a major factor in helping them feel safe as the pandemic continued.
“They have used creativity to be able to keep in touch and be available.”
Dundee City Council chief executive, Greg Colgan, added: “The inspection report raises areas for improvement which align very closely with the self-evaluation activity of local agencies and we are already taking theseforward.
“We cannot afford to be complacent and we will use this report to help us shape and improve services for the future.”
While Tayside police Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Phil Davison, said: “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities is one of our top priorities and I am delighted that the continued efforts oall agencies within Dundee to safeguard children at risk has been commended.
“The last two years has presented numerous challenges we have never before encountered when trying to identify and support vulnerable young people. “
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