Important: Cookie Policy

We use cookies to help keep our site relevant and easy to use. To help us do this we need your permission to use cookies. Read more...

EU legislation requires that all websites clearly specify if cookies are being used and their purpose. For more information on the cookies we use view our privacy policy.

South Ayrshire Council use Google Analytics which uses cookies to anonymously track activity on our site. We use this information to keep our site relevant and to make it easier to use. We have already set a cookie that is essential to the sites operation.

If you accept the use of cookies on this website you will no longer see this message. We will also place a preference cookie and Google will place temporary session cookies on your computer.

Should you later, manually delete the preference cookie then you will need to re-confirm your preference when you next visit this website.

Yes, I accept the use of cookies

Child Protection

Police Powers

In an emergency situation, where a police constable has reasonable cause to believe that the conditions for making a Child Protection Order are satisfied and it is not practical in the circumstances to make such an application to the Sheriff, then the constable may remove the child to a place of safety (Section 61 (5 ) Children ( Scotland ) Act 1995).

The power to remove the child only lasts 24 hours thereafter the police (or another person ) need to apply to the Sheriff for a Child Protection Order to secure the child's place of safety.

Before applying for any of the above Orders or taking emergency action agencies will try to work with families to ensure the child is protected. Court Orders or emergency action will only be taken where it appears that a child may be at risk of significant harm and an Order or emergency action is necessary to protect them.

Keeping Children Safe - Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme
Keeping Children Safe is a process that allows any member of the public to make an application to Strathclyde Police if they have a concern about a person’s access to a child. It is a slow time information sharing process. Any disclosure will only be made to the parent, guardian or carer of that child.

No response is given to page feedback. To protect your privacy, do not include contact information in your page feedback. Contact Customer Services directly for general enquiries.

Can't find what you are looking for?

Try our A to Z of services, FAQ or search the website.