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Motion · S6M-15360 · 7 Nov 2024

Introducing Mandatory Reporting in Scotland

Lodged by Fulton MacGregor (Scottish National Party) Standard Motion 20 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes, with urgency, that child sexual abuse is a pervasive and global phenomenon affecting the lives of millions of children; understands that there is no statutory obligation for individuals in Scotland to report child abuse; further understands that mandatory reporting is defined as a duty placed on a person or organisation to report child abuse to the relevant authority; observes that the introduction of mandatory reporting was one of the recommendations listed from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales; welcomes the introduction of a Private Members' Bill in the House of Lords, which seeks to "mandate those providing and carrying out regulated or other activities with responsibility for the care of children to report known and suspected child sexual abuse"; believes that introducing mandatory reporting in Scotland would offer greater protection to children; understands that the majority of European nations have introduced a form of mandatory reporting; considers that the concept of mandatory reporting is a complex and nuanced topic, and that a conversation must be fostered so that any contentious aspects of the issue can be discussed, and asserts that any introduction of mandatory reporting must be implemented from a children’s rights-based approach.

Supporters (20)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.