Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has supported the Children and Young Person Bill, and wants to reassure folk that the ‘named person’ provisions are not an attempt to subvert the family, but are simply identifying a single Professional point of contact for the child, families and other professionals.

Dave said, “I can understand the concerns of churches and parents, but this has been working successfully across Highland Region since 2010.

“There has been some misinformation alleging an Orwellian conspiracy, but nothing could be further from the truth. In early years the named person will probably be the health visitor, in school years, a guidance teacher or Depute Head.

“Most children and young people will never need to draw on this resource as the majority get all the love and support they need from their parents and carers.

“The named person role was identified in consultations through the Highland Pathfinder project which began in late 2006. It was implemented successfully in Inverness City in early 2008, and then rolled out to Highland Region in 2010.

“The Highlands have found that the arrangement has reduced by around half the number of children regarded as at risk of significant harm, so it effectively reduces state intervention in families.”