Protecting Children: Review of section 12 of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 and section 42 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009

Overview

This consultation seeks views on potential changes to two criminal offences related to the protection of children, namely:

• the offence of child neglect currently legislated for in section 12 of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937; and
• the offence of sexual abuse of trust set out in section 42 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.

Why We Are Consulting

Consultation is an essential part of the policy making process. We will consider the views expressed in response to this consultation along with other available evidence to help inform the Scottish Government's decisions.

Download the consultation paper.

What Happens Next

Consultation responses will be considered carefully and we will take account of views expressed when considering how to progress any possible amendments to the criminal offence of cruelty to children and sexual abuse of trust offence.