Scottish Government.
Children, Young People and Social Care Directorate
Safer Children, Stronger Families Division
Mr Jimmy Deuchars
Grandparents Apart UK
22 AIness Crescent
Glasgow G52 1 PJ
Your ref:
Our ref: 2009/00032030R
February 2009
Mr Deuchars
Thank you for your email of 13 January relating to the Charter for Grandchildren. I am replying as a member of the child protection policy team.
Scottish Ministers are very aware of the important role that grandparents can play in
development of young people. It is very important that children are given the right support, and where necessary, protection if we are to ensure their development into confident individuals and effective contributors in our society. We see grandparents, can play a critical role in this regard.
It is important that anyone who has concern about a child's wellbeing should ensure that such concerns are reported. Of course, friends and family members can often be best placed to identify at an early stage those instances where a child may be placed at risk. A
dedicated 24 hour child protection line has been set up in order to ensure that individuals can access appropriate services quickly where they are concerned about a child's wellbeing.
The number is 0800 022 3222. Further information about the telephone line can be found on the Scottish Government's website at www.scotland.cjov.uk/childprotection
In regards to the Charter for Grandchildren that was set up in conjunction with Grandparents Apart and other stakeholders, as part of a suite of guidance. It still remains the responsibility of the local authorities to put in place child protection procedures. Local authorities have a statutory duty to protect children in there area, but under the Concordat it is for them to determine how best to do this.
I hope this information is helpful.
Yours sincerely
Chris Bain
Child Protection Policy Team
Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ
www.scotland.gov.uk
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Every email and call will be stored under new law
By James Slack
Phone and internet firms will be forced to store for a year records of any call, email or website visit in the UK, under a law quietly introduced last night.
Taxpayers will pay £46.58million so that police, the security services, health authorities and even town halls will have the right to access their 'communications' records.
The cash is to compensate companies for the cost of storing records on around a billion pieces of information every day and the expense of supplying this information to all bodies covered by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
Under a new law, police, the security services, health authorities and even town halls will have the right to access people's phone call and email records
The powers, tabled as a draft order at the end of the Commons session last night will come into force in April.
They centre on an EU directive passed in the aftermath of the July 7 terror attacks on London in 2005.
Although the powers are notionally intended to protect national security, they cover the most minor crimes.
The police can even look at phone records to locate someone who tells a friend he plans to harm himself.
Communications firms currently have largely voluntary arrangements with the Government to supply data for investigations and some have said they are unwilling to help.
But the law change will make it compulsory-for them, if requested, to hand over communications records for the past 12 months.
Phil Booth of the NO2ID campaign accused the Government of yet again using terrorism as an excuse to extend public bodies' snooping powers.
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: 'It is the Government's priority to protect public safety and national security. That is why we are completing the implementation of this directive, which will bring the UK in line with our European counterparts.
'Communications data is the what, where and when of the communication and plays a vital part in a wide range of criminal investigations, and prevention of terrorists attacks as well as contributing to public safety more generally.'
Phone and internet firms will be forced to store for a year records of any call, email or website visit in the UK, under a law quietly introduced last night.
Taxpayers will pay £46.58million so that police, the security services, health authorities and even town halls will have the right to access their 'communications' records.
The cash is to compensate companies for the cost of storing records on around a billion pieces of information every day and the expense of supplying this information to all bodies covered by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
Under a new law, police, the security services, health authorities and even town halls will have the right to access people's phone call and email records
The powers, tabled as a draft order at the end of the Commons session last night will come into force in April.
They centre on an EU directive passed in the aftermath of the July 7 terror attacks on London in 2005.
Although the powers are notionally intended to protect national security, they cover the most minor crimes.
The police can even look at phone records to locate someone who tells a friend he plans to harm himself.
Communications firms currently have largely voluntary arrangements with the Government to supply data for investigations and some have said they are unwilling to help.
But the law change will make it compulsory-for them, if requested, to hand over communications records for the past 12 months.
Phil Booth of the NO2ID campaign accused the Government of yet again using terrorism as an excuse to extend public bodies' snooping powers.
Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: 'It is the Government's priority to protect public safety and national security. That is why we are completing the implementation of this directive, which will bring the UK in line with our European counterparts.
'Communications data is the what, where and when of the communication and plays a vital part in a wide range of criminal investigations, and prevention of terrorists attacks as well as contributing to public safety more generally.'
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Edinburgh Adoption Case.
Thank you for your e-mail following the media coverage of the City of Edinburgh Council adoption case. Your comments are acknowledged and noted.
You will appreciate that the Council cannot comment or provide any information relating to individual people to whom it provides a service, however, a public statement regarding this case has been released by Councillor Marilyne Maclaren, the convenor of the Council’s Education, Children and Families Committee and Gillian Tee, the Director of Education, Children and Families. A copy of this statement is enclosed for your information.
Media coverage of adoption case
Statement from Cllr Marilyne Maclaren, Convenor of Education, Children and Families and Gillian Tee, Director of Education, Children and Families
It is a tragedy for all children in need of care, and prospective adopters or foster carers, that there has been so much reporting and comment without the full facts being known. As with all cases involving vulnerable children, their interests are best protected by their circumstances remaining confidential. This is the very reason why their identity is protected and that generally, there is a principle of confidentiality covering the proceedings of - for example - family courts.
We only ever intervene in the lives of children where this is necessary to safeguard and promote their welfare. Our first commitment to children is to promote their upbringing in their own family. Where this isn't possible, we first explore the child's extended family and social contacts to secure a permanent placement for them. Whenever appropriate, we support extended family or friends to legally acquire and fulfil the same responsibilities as those of birth families.
Placement decisions are based on their ability and willingness to care for the child or children, not arbitrary factors such as age, disability, religion, gender or sexuality. Where we need to look out with extended family and friends, we aim to identify a number of suitable families from which to secure the best possible match. However, there is always a shortage of people able and willing to provide care, whether through adoption or fostering.
In all cases, approving people as adopters and matching them with children is a very rigorous process. At both stages a panel of experts is involved and typically includes social workers, health care professionals, a child care solicitor and representatives of children's charities. A thorough assessment and extensive checks are also carried out on all prospective adoptive parents. This is what is expected of us, and rightly so.
Equally, the care of children has never been more regulated or under such close scrutiny. Not only is there national legislation which covers our duties and responsibilities, but we have well-established policies which we stand by. The courts, which have been involved in this particular case, provide robust support for the actions taken. The inspection of councils by independent bodies, coupled with due legal processes, provide the checks and balances necessary to ensure authorities like ours provide effective care for children. Where there are lessons to be learned, we apply those to our approach to child care. However, we would not introduce prejudice based on sexual orientation any more than we would on age.
The policies, procedures and people involved in making the decisions about the care of children are carefully monitored and regulated. There is very robust accountability built into the process. We have confidence in our staff and are proud of the work they do in often very difficult circumstances. The problems with recruiting social workers in particular should make it very clear what a challenging role it is.
While it may be convenient to reveal the particular circumstances of this case, it would breach an important principle and our statutory obligations, both of which are crucial to the well-being and security of vulnerable children. All we can say is that the professional view is that the adoptive couple will provide a safe, secure and loving environment for these children. They have obviously already satisfied the rigorous standards expected of potential adopters.
The family circumstances are complex, as is often the case, but we have involved them throughout the process. These are always difficult decisions but we are confident that we have made the right decision and have no reason to doubt that the staff involved have acted with anything other than professionalism and sensitivity.
The Council Leader is entirely supportive of the views expressed here.
You will appreciate that the Council cannot comment or provide any information relating to individual people to whom it provides a service, however, a public statement regarding this case has been released by Councillor Marilyne Maclaren, the convenor of the Council’s Education, Children and Families Committee and Gillian Tee, the Director of Education, Children and Families. A copy of this statement is enclosed for your information.
Media coverage of adoption case
Statement from Cllr Marilyne Maclaren, Convenor of Education, Children and Families and Gillian Tee, Director of Education, Children and Families
It is a tragedy for all children in need of care, and prospective adopters or foster carers, that there has been so much reporting and comment without the full facts being known. As with all cases involving vulnerable children, their interests are best protected by their circumstances remaining confidential. This is the very reason why their identity is protected and that generally, there is a principle of confidentiality covering the proceedings of - for example - family courts.
We only ever intervene in the lives of children where this is necessary to safeguard and promote their welfare. Our first commitment to children is to promote their upbringing in their own family. Where this isn't possible, we first explore the child's extended family and social contacts to secure a permanent placement for them. Whenever appropriate, we support extended family or friends to legally acquire and fulfil the same responsibilities as those of birth families.
Placement decisions are based on their ability and willingness to care for the child or children, not arbitrary factors such as age, disability, religion, gender or sexuality. Where we need to look out with extended family and friends, we aim to identify a number of suitable families from which to secure the best possible match. However, there is always a shortage of people able and willing to provide care, whether through adoption or fostering.
In all cases, approving people as adopters and matching them with children is a very rigorous process. At both stages a panel of experts is involved and typically includes social workers, health care professionals, a child care solicitor and representatives of children's charities. A thorough assessment and extensive checks are also carried out on all prospective adoptive parents. This is what is expected of us, and rightly so.
Equally, the care of children has never been more regulated or under such close scrutiny. Not only is there national legislation which covers our duties and responsibilities, but we have well-established policies which we stand by. The courts, which have been involved in this particular case, provide robust support for the actions taken. The inspection of councils by independent bodies, coupled with due legal processes, provide the checks and balances necessary to ensure authorities like ours provide effective care for children. Where there are lessons to be learned, we apply those to our approach to child care. However, we would not introduce prejudice based on sexual orientation any more than we would on age.
The policies, procedures and people involved in making the decisions about the care of children are carefully monitored and regulated. There is very robust accountability built into the process. We have confidence in our staff and are proud of the work they do in often very difficult circumstances. The problems with recruiting social workers in particular should make it very clear what a challenging role it is.
While it may be convenient to reveal the particular circumstances of this case, it would breach an important principle and our statutory obligations, both of which are crucial to the well-being and security of vulnerable children. All we can say is that the professional view is that the adoptive couple will provide a safe, secure and loving environment for these children. They have obviously already satisfied the rigorous standards expected of potential adopters.
The family circumstances are complex, as is often the case, but we have involved them throughout the process. These are always difficult decisions but we are confident that we have made the right decision and have no reason to doubt that the staff involved have acted with anything other than professionalism and sensitivity.
The Council Leader is entirely supportive of the views expressed here.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Vital information for the demo.
Grandparents Apart UK
Change of day for
A peaceful Demonstration against Social Services Child Adoption and Family policies
Wednesday 4th March 11.am
At
George Square Glasgow.
Who is invited
Grandparents, Mothers, Fathers, Step-parents, Uncles, Aunts.
In fact everyone who cares about children is welcome.
Reason:- To protest against the adoption, parenting, and
grandparent policies of our "out of touch Social Services
departments" who now appear to be wholly incompetent and
acting as a law unto themselves, with complete disregard for
the children's "Best Interests" (article 8 of the Human rights act
and the UN convention for the rights of the Child)?
These policies are causing untold distress to children and
families. The proof being the recent outrage, regarding
grandparents who were by-passed for the adoption of their
grandchildren We demand policies to be more in line with
children's welfare and not to be treated as commodities to be
disposed of as in a business plan.
We call on everyone who cares for children's welfare to
demonstrate your disapproval of these policies and also to
write to your MSPs, MPs in protest stating that you support our
protest.
For full details follow this link for further information.
http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8202719938314583126&postID=6702567157634066668
Grandparents Apart UK is a Scottish Registered Charity. No SC 031558 Staffed by volunteers. Registered at 22 AIness Crescent Glasgow G52 1 PJ
Important points we are demonstrating against.
Social Services adoption policies are causing great distress to children and families.
Taking children into care by-passing the extended family and adopting them without consent to strangers. See what we are demonstrating against. http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=594
Adoption of a wee girl to two strange men when she had a fear of men.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1130066/They-say-old-care-grandchildren-Social-workers-hand-siblings-gay-men-adoption.html
Grandparents Apart UK have worked with the Scottish Executive via a stakeholders group in the creation of ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ (this qualifies us to present a proposal) See proposal http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=594
The group has toured the greater part of Scotland with their Mobile Information Centre to highlight the charter and parenting agreement and raised some hopes but they were dashed when the professionals SS courts lawyers etc. stated “it is only advisory and we don’t need to acknowledge it” See Tour of Scotland. http://www.grandparentsapart.co.ukhttp://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
The government states that it is best for children to have two parents. In practise the law appears to be fatally flawed allowing children to be used as weapons and blackmail.
http://www.parents4protest.co.uk/
The government stated, to give individual grandparents legal rights of contact would cause more problems that it would resolve and by giving rights to grandparents they would then have more rights than fathers. Further they want families to resolve problems by themselves and not by legislation.
This new proposal has been made by listening to the government and working to their wishes,. The new proposal does not ask for individual legal rights but for The Charter for Grandchildren to be mandatory for professionals who deal with children in their best interest and giving them the full benefits of their grandparents help and protection but not impinging on parental rights in any way. By doing this the government would be sending a signal of encouragement to families that it is in the best interests of their children to resolve family issues by using mediation.
At present the government is not using every means possible in the protection of children and by not using the majority of grandparents that are willing to help, if the were allowed especially for early detection of abuse is criminal and is not in a child’s best interest.
Social Services by-pass grandparents and take a child into care. Alienate it from their family, usually telling them their family does not want to see them again. Then adopt them without consent from anyone.
A beautiful business plan for commodities, but children and families are not commodities, they are human beings and need to be treated with love, respect and kindness for them to grow into decent citizen’s men and women and be an asset to society.
Children who are separated from their entire extended family lose all stability and identity and are very often low achievers in society and end up turning to gangs as a substitute for family comfort to find the stability that was torn from them by incredible decisions made by Social Workers. They can become the thugs of tomorrow or worse yet suffer years of state sponsored abuse. They lose all respect for anybody. Possibly the reason older people and women are afraid to go out at night.
The Government of this country knows full well the feelings of the general public but choose to ignore or cover up the shambolic and criminal state of our Social services and their out of kilter policies. It is no longer time for petitioning and being ignored, when it comes to our children only protesting will get attention.
We call on everyone who cares for children’s welfare to demonstrate your disapproval of these policies and also to write to your MSPs, MPs in protest stating that you support our protest.
Social Services by-pass grandparents and take a child into care. Alienate it from their family, usually telling them their family does not want to see them again. Then adopt them without consent from anyone.
A beautiful business plan for commodities, but children and families are not commodities, they are human beings and need to be treated with love, respect and kindness for them to grow into decent citizen’s men and women and be an asset to society.
Children who are separated from their entire extended family lose all stability and identity and are very often low achievers in society and end up turning to gangs as a substitute for family comfort to find the stability that was torn from them by incredible decisions made by Social Workers. They can become the thugs of tomorrow or worse yet suffer years of state sponsored abuse. They lose all respect for anybody. Possibly the reason older people and women are afraid to go out at night.
The Government of this country knows full well the feelings of the general public but choose to ignore or cover up the shambolic and criminal state of our Social services and their out of kilter policies. It is no longer time for petitioning and being ignored, when it comes to our children only protesting will get attention.
We call on everyone who cares for children’s welfare to demonstrate your disapproval of these policies and also to write to your MSPs, MPs in protest stating that you support our protest.
ORGANISATION:
GRANDPARENTS APART UK
NAME:
JAMES DEUCHARS
ADDRESS:
22 ALNESS CRESCENT, GLASGOW, G52 1PJ
VENUE:
GEORGE SQUARE
DATE(S):
WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2009
EVENT:
I ADOPTION DEMONSTRATION
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF LET FOR PARK/PRECINCT/SQUARE
(a) YOU confirm in writing that you indemnify the Glasgow City Council, Land &
Environmental Services against all claims of loss, damage, injury, etc., to the
participants or the public within the park/precinct/square area and that any
such loss, damage, injury, etc., will be your responsibility. YOU ARE
STRONGLY ADVISED TO TAKE OUT APPROPRIATE INSURANCE TO
COVER THESE LIABILITIES.
(b) You will be responsible for all Health and Safety matters arising from the Let.
At the time of entering this agreement you will notify the Council of any inherent
dangerous activities to take place or substances to be used that could cause
injury to participants-^s or to the public. In such circumstances the Council may:-
1. Require the exhibition of a valid third party public liability insurance policy
and/or
2. Impose such further conditions as are considered necessary by the Council
in the interests of Health and Safety.
(c) You are responsible for complete stewarding of your event to the satisfaction of
Land & Environmental Services and/or Strathclyde Police.
(d) You contact the local police to advise them of the proposed event.
(e) On no account will you stop any other park/precinct/square user for the
purpose of collecting money, etc., without appropriate Council licence
(telephone 0141 287 4812 for advice).
(f) You contact Building Control should the event involve any temporary raised
structures which are 600 mm above ground level (telephone 0141 287 4497 for
(g) You contact Environmental Health should the proposed event have elements
including noise emission, sale of food and beverages and public toilet
requirements (telephone 0141 287 9271 for advice).
(h) You ensure that no vehicles, other than those for which specific permission has
been given, are taken into the park, city centre precincts or squares.
(i) You exercise great care to ensure that no public congestion is caused and that
access is kept clear for vehicles of the emergency services.
(j) You reinstate any damage to, or remove litter left within, the
park/precinct/square, failing which a charge for same will be payable by you.
Reinstatement of George Square will require to be carried out by Land &
Environmental Services, with costs for same being payable by you. Please
also be aware that as part of the Clean Glasgow Campaign offenders at your
event promotion may incur £50 fixed penalty notices issued by enforcement
(k) You must liaise with Land & Environmental' Services to ensure that there are sufficient number ‘ of litter receptacles available for your event/promotion.
Additional bins to the existing PROVISION can be hired for siting at agreeable locations. Payment for emptying these units will be inclusive of the standard rates.
(l) You note that Glasgow Council reserves the right to cancel the let in the case of particular adverse ‘ weather or other circumstances.
(m) You do not advertise your event by fly posting. Failure to comply may result in
summary cancellation of the let.
(n) You ensure that leaflets/flyers are only handed out to those persons expressing
a genuine interest in your organization and/or campaign Any litter caused by
the leaflets should immediately collected by the distributor.
(o) You make contact with greater Glasgow Health Board Emergency Planning
Officer to ensure adequate first aid cover (telephone 0141 201 4554).
(p) You note that the consumption of alcohol out with licensed premises is
prohibited under the terms of the appropriate City Bye-law.
(q) You ensure that all noise levels are kept to a minimum to avoid disturbance to
other park/precinct/square users and/or to occupiers of surrounding properties.
(r) You note that no military involvement may take place without the prior
agreement of Land & Environmental Services.
(s) Should there be any alterations to the proposed event after initial permission is
granted, you will submit the revised plans to Land & Environmental Services
and await appropriate permission to be granted for amended proposals.
(t) Land & Environmental Services reserves the right to alter the set layout of your event at any time should ground conditions or any other circumstance so warrant.
(u) All electrical equipment brought on site should be portable appliance tested
and carry inspection stickers. Installation certification should also be available
for all generators, which must be diesel driven and barriered to prevent public
access to them. All sub contractors, traders and performers should be notified
accordingly. For advice and information please contact Andy McColl Technical
Manager for Events, and/or his designated Officers on 0141-427-6771. Any
equipment not in compliance with the foregoing is likely to be deemed
inoperable and may require to be removed from the event site.
(v) If there is a charge you will be invoiced 21 days prior to the event/promotion
and all invoices should be settled prior to your event/promotion.
(w) All events that are held on Land & Environmental Services premises must by
fully compliant with all applicable environmental legislation and SEPA Pollution
Prevention Guidelines. Any negative environmental aspects that may arise
from event activities must be assessed and where necessary suitable control
measure introduced to reduce any associated impacts to an acceptable level.
Examples of negative environmental impacts include fuel spillage, air/water
pollution or unacceptable noise levels. Particular care must be taken to ensure
that no fuel/ oil spillage is allowed to reach a drainage system as this may
result in the pollution of a nearby river or watercourse.
(x) If your event is going to restrict public access you will be required to apply for a
300*13^ r Order. For further information contact the Council's Outdoor
section 11 order 'telephone 0141 287 8585).
(y) Glasgow Green Lets Only - You are required to contact Land &
Environmental Services Cycle Unit (telephone 0141 287 9038) no less than
two weeks prior to your event if it will result in the closure of Route 75 (cycle
pathway adjacent to the River Clyde between King's Drive and Saltmarket) in
order that all appropriate signage is displayed prior to and during your event
and is removed timeously thereafter.
For more information refer to notes attached
I acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Permission to Use Letter and agree to
observe the conditions contained therein.
Signed
Position
Date
EXAMPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND BEST PRACTICE
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL
HAZARD
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE
FUEL OR OIL USE
1.
Clearly marked suitable containers.
2.
Storage of containers on drip tray or in a
bunded area.
3.
Bulk quantities of fuel to be stored in
internally bunded tank.
4.
All spillage to be cleaned up using an
absorbent material and the contaminated
material disposed of as a special waste.
5.
Ensure no fuel or oil reaches the drainage
system or open ground.
DISPOSAL OF WASTE
1.
Arrangements to be made with the Land &
Environmental Services Events Team to
clean up after an event.
2.
If possible segregate recycleable materials
(paper, cans, glass etc).
NOISE
1.
Ensure that the Land & Environmental
Services Events Team is informed if a
public address system is to be used during
an event.
2. [ Make sure that volume is kept to the
minimum level required and that any Db
parameters specified are adhered to.
If any further information is required on any potential environmental impacts, or
assistance in carrying out an assessment of any activities, relating to an event then
please contact Land & Environmental Services on 0141 287 9778
Change of day for
A peaceful Demonstration against Social Services Child Adoption and Family policies
Wednesday 4th March 11.am
At
George Square Glasgow.
Who is invited
Grandparents, Mothers, Fathers, Step-parents, Uncles, Aunts.
In fact everyone who cares about children is welcome.
Reason:- To protest against the adoption, parenting, and
grandparent policies of our "out of touch Social Services
departments" who now appear to be wholly incompetent and
acting as a law unto themselves, with complete disregard for
the children's "Best Interests" (article 8 of the Human rights act
and the UN convention for the rights of the Child)?
These policies are causing untold distress to children and
families. The proof being the recent outrage, regarding
grandparents who were by-passed for the adoption of their
grandchildren We demand policies to be more in line with
children's welfare and not to be treated as commodities to be
disposed of as in a business plan.
We call on everyone who cares for children's welfare to
demonstrate your disapproval of these policies and also to
write to your MSPs, MPs in protest stating that you support our
protest.
For full details follow this link for further information.
http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8202719938314583126&postID=6702567157634066668
Grandparents Apart UK is a Scottish Registered Charity. No SC 031558 Staffed by volunteers. Registered at 22 AIness Crescent Glasgow G52 1 PJ
Important points we are demonstrating against.
Social Services adoption policies are causing great distress to children and families.
Taking children into care by-passing the extended family and adopting them without consent to strangers. See what we are demonstrating against. http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=594
Adoption of a wee girl to two strange men when she had a fear of men.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1130066/They-say-old-care-grandchildren-Social-workers-hand-siblings-gay-men-adoption.html
Grandparents Apart UK have worked with the Scottish Executive via a stakeholders group in the creation of ‘The Charter for Grandchildren’ (this qualifies us to present a proposal) See proposal http://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=594
The group has toured the greater part of Scotland with their Mobile Information Centre to highlight the charter and parenting agreement and raised some hopes but they were dashed when the professionals SS courts lawyers etc. stated “it is only advisory and we don’t need to acknowledge it” See Tour of Scotland. http://www.grandparentsapart.co.ukhttp://www.grandparentsapart.co.uk
The government states that it is best for children to have two parents. In practise the law appears to be fatally flawed allowing children to be used as weapons and blackmail.
http://www.parents4protest.co.uk/
The government stated, to give individual grandparents legal rights of contact would cause more problems that it would resolve and by giving rights to grandparents they would then have more rights than fathers. Further they want families to resolve problems by themselves and not by legislation.
This new proposal has been made by listening to the government and working to their wishes,. The new proposal does not ask for individual legal rights but for The Charter for Grandchildren to be mandatory for professionals who deal with children in their best interest and giving them the full benefits of their grandparents help and protection but not impinging on parental rights in any way. By doing this the government would be sending a signal of encouragement to families that it is in the best interests of their children to resolve family issues by using mediation.
At present the government is not using every means possible in the protection of children and by not using the majority of grandparents that are willing to help, if the were allowed especially for early detection of abuse is criminal and is not in a child’s best interest.
Social Services by-pass grandparents and take a child into care. Alienate it from their family, usually telling them their family does not want to see them again. Then adopt them without consent from anyone.
A beautiful business plan for commodities, but children and families are not commodities, they are human beings and need to be treated with love, respect and kindness for them to grow into decent citizen’s men and women and be an asset to society.
Children who are separated from their entire extended family lose all stability and identity and are very often low achievers in society and end up turning to gangs as a substitute for family comfort to find the stability that was torn from them by incredible decisions made by Social Workers. They can become the thugs of tomorrow or worse yet suffer years of state sponsored abuse. They lose all respect for anybody. Possibly the reason older people and women are afraid to go out at night.
The Government of this country knows full well the feelings of the general public but choose to ignore or cover up the shambolic and criminal state of our Social services and their out of kilter policies. It is no longer time for petitioning and being ignored, when it comes to our children only protesting will get attention.
We call on everyone who cares for children’s welfare to demonstrate your disapproval of these policies and also to write to your MSPs, MPs in protest stating that you support our protest.
Social Services by-pass grandparents and take a child into care. Alienate it from their family, usually telling them their family does not want to see them again. Then adopt them without consent from anyone.
A beautiful business plan for commodities, but children and families are not commodities, they are human beings and need to be treated with love, respect and kindness for them to grow into decent citizen’s men and women and be an asset to society.
Children who are separated from their entire extended family lose all stability and identity and are very often low achievers in society and end up turning to gangs as a substitute for family comfort to find the stability that was torn from them by incredible decisions made by Social Workers. They can become the thugs of tomorrow or worse yet suffer years of state sponsored abuse. They lose all respect for anybody. Possibly the reason older people and women are afraid to go out at night.
The Government of this country knows full well the feelings of the general public but choose to ignore or cover up the shambolic and criminal state of our Social services and their out of kilter policies. It is no longer time for petitioning and being ignored, when it comes to our children only protesting will get attention.
We call on everyone who cares for children’s welfare to demonstrate your disapproval of these policies and also to write to your MSPs, MPs in protest stating that you support our protest.
ORGANISATION:
GRANDPARENTS APART UK
NAME:
JAMES DEUCHARS
ADDRESS:
22 ALNESS CRESCENT, GLASGOW, G52 1PJ
VENUE:
GEORGE SQUARE
DATE(S):
WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2009
EVENT:
I ADOPTION DEMONSTRATION
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF LET FOR PARK/PRECINCT/SQUARE
(a) YOU confirm in writing that you indemnify the Glasgow City Council, Land &
Environmental Services against all claims of loss, damage, injury, etc., to the
participants or the public within the park/precinct/square area and that any
such loss, damage, injury, etc., will be your responsibility. YOU ARE
STRONGLY ADVISED TO TAKE OUT APPROPRIATE INSURANCE TO
COVER THESE LIABILITIES.
(b) You will be responsible for all Health and Safety matters arising from the Let.
At the time of entering this agreement you will notify the Council of any inherent
dangerous activities to take place or substances to be used that could cause
injury to participants-^s or to the public. In such circumstances the Council may:-
1. Require the exhibition of a valid third party public liability insurance policy
and/or
2. Impose such further conditions as are considered necessary by the Council
in the interests of Health and Safety.
(c) You are responsible for complete stewarding of your event to the satisfaction of
Land & Environmental Services and/or Strathclyde Police.
(d) You contact the local police to advise them of the proposed event.
(e) On no account will you stop any other park/precinct/square user for the
purpose of collecting money, etc., without appropriate Council licence
(telephone 0141 287 4812 for advice).
(f) You contact Building Control should the event involve any temporary raised
structures which are 600 mm above ground level (telephone 0141 287 4497 for
(g) You contact Environmental Health should the proposed event have elements
including noise emission, sale of food and beverages and public toilet
requirements (telephone 0141 287 9271 for advice).
(h) You ensure that no vehicles, other than those for which specific permission has
been given, are taken into the park, city centre precincts or squares.
(i) You exercise great care to ensure that no public congestion is caused and that
access is kept clear for vehicles of the emergency services.
(j) You reinstate any damage to, or remove litter left within, the
park/precinct/square, failing which a charge for same will be payable by you.
Reinstatement of George Square will require to be carried out by Land &
Environmental Services, with costs for same being payable by you. Please
also be aware that as part of the Clean Glasgow Campaign offenders at your
event promotion may incur £50 fixed penalty notices issued by enforcement
(k) You must liaise with Land & Environmental' Services to ensure that there are sufficient number ‘ of litter receptacles available for your event/promotion.
Additional bins to the existing PROVISION can be hired for siting at agreeable locations. Payment for emptying these units will be inclusive of the standard rates.
(l) You note that Glasgow Council reserves the right to cancel the let in the case of particular adverse ‘ weather or other circumstances.
(m) You do not advertise your event by fly posting. Failure to comply may result in
summary cancellation of the let.
(n) You ensure that leaflets/flyers are only handed out to those persons expressing
a genuine interest in your organization and/or campaign Any litter caused by
the leaflets should immediately collected by the distributor.
(o) You make contact with greater Glasgow Health Board Emergency Planning
Officer to ensure adequate first aid cover (telephone 0141 201 4554).
(p) You note that the consumption of alcohol out with licensed premises is
prohibited under the terms of the appropriate City Bye-law.
(q) You ensure that all noise levels are kept to a minimum to avoid disturbance to
other park/precinct/square users and/or to occupiers of surrounding properties.
(r) You note that no military involvement may take place without the prior
agreement of Land & Environmental Services.
(s) Should there be any alterations to the proposed event after initial permission is
granted, you will submit the revised plans to Land & Environmental Services
and await appropriate permission to be granted for amended proposals.
(t) Land & Environmental Services reserves the right to alter the set layout of your event at any time should ground conditions or any other circumstance so warrant.
(u) All electrical equipment brought on site should be portable appliance tested
and carry inspection stickers. Installation certification should also be available
for all generators, which must be diesel driven and barriered to prevent public
access to them. All sub contractors, traders and performers should be notified
accordingly. For advice and information please contact Andy McColl Technical
Manager for Events, and/or his designated Officers on 0141-427-6771. Any
equipment not in compliance with the foregoing is likely to be deemed
inoperable and may require to be removed from the event site.
(v) If there is a charge you will be invoiced 21 days prior to the event/promotion
and all invoices should be settled prior to your event/promotion.
(w) All events that are held on Land & Environmental Services premises must by
fully compliant with all applicable environmental legislation and SEPA Pollution
Prevention Guidelines. Any negative environmental aspects that may arise
from event activities must be assessed and where necessary suitable control
measure introduced to reduce any associated impacts to an acceptable level.
Examples of negative environmental impacts include fuel spillage, air/water
pollution or unacceptable noise levels. Particular care must be taken to ensure
that no fuel/ oil spillage is allowed to reach a drainage system as this may
result in the pollution of a nearby river or watercourse.
(x) If your event is going to restrict public access you will be required to apply for a
300*13^ r Order. For further information contact the Council's Outdoor
section 11 order 'telephone 0141 287 8585).
(y) Glasgow Green Lets Only - You are required to contact Land &
Environmental Services Cycle Unit (telephone 0141 287 9038) no less than
two weeks prior to your event if it will result in the closure of Route 75 (cycle
pathway adjacent to the River Clyde between King's Drive and Saltmarket) in
order that all appropriate signage is displayed prior to and during your event
and is removed timeously thereafter.
For more information refer to notes attached
I acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Permission to Use Letter and agree to
observe the conditions contained therein.
Signed
Position
Date
EXAMPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS AND BEST PRACTICE
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL
HAZARD
BEST ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE
FUEL OR OIL USE
1.
Clearly marked suitable containers.
2.
Storage of containers on drip tray or in a
bunded area.
3.
Bulk quantities of fuel to be stored in
internally bunded tank.
4.
All spillage to be cleaned up using an
absorbent material and the contaminated
material disposed of as a special waste.
5.
Ensure no fuel or oil reaches the drainage
system or open ground.
DISPOSAL OF WASTE
1.
Arrangements to be made with the Land &
Environmental Services Events Team to
clean up after an event.
2.
If possible segregate recycleable materials
(paper, cans, glass etc).
NOISE
1.
Ensure that the Land & Environmental
Services Events Team is informed if a
public address system is to be used during
an event.
2. [ Make sure that volume is kept to the
minimum level required and that any Db
parameters specified are adhered to.
If any further information is required on any potential environmental impacts, or
assistance in carrying out an assessment of any activities, relating to an event then
please contact Land & Environmental Services on 0141 287 9778
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