Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility forwhich can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31268 on 5 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

The position has not changedsince then.

There have been 12 meetings of the group since its inception in September 2005 and minutes appear on the websiteafter they have been formally cleared.

The remit of the group focuseson addressing the adult needs of those who have been sexually abused as children.However, it is recognised that sexual abuse may incorporate psychological and physicalabuse.

The expertise of the Cross PartyGroup was used to define the core membership, which is largely unaltered. Some additionswere made, for example, a representative from the Scottish Association for MentalHealth. There are currently 25 members, 17 of whom are external, representing healthand local authorities, and the following of voluntary sector groups: the Moira AndersonFoundation; Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project, No More Secrets; SAY Women; VictimSupport Scotland; M-Line, and Children 1st. Given the sensitivity, memberswho are abuse survivors are not identified but some have experience of being incare settings. There have been no resignations.

To ensure that the strategy isco-ordinated, there are six Scottish Executive members representing community care,sexual and mental health, criminal justice and children and families. In additionthere are two lead professionals (each employed one day per week) whose role isto implement agreed action points as laid out in the Strategy and agreed with theReference Group. One of the lead professionals has been employed in other areasof the Scottish Executive to conduct research in the past.

In addition to full membership,relevant speakers and other contributors are co-opted to task groups as necessary.Other organisations wishing to contribute to the strategy implementation will beable to do so through the forthcoming national conference on 28 February and throughthe expanding network to be routed through the website.

It is anticipated that the ReferenceGroup will conclude its business by April 2009.

I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility forwhich can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for whichcan be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

The £2 million Survivors Fundis the total budget available to the Strategy. £60,007 has been spent to date onlead professional salaries, expenses (for example accommodation for service usersattending meetings), and setting up a website that will go live shortly. Thegroup has also taken time and care to devise the criteria for a Development Fund.Applications are currently being sought for new, innovative services as well as supporting existing fragile initiativesthrough demonstration projects. It is anticipatedthat these will absorb the bulk of the monies available. The fund was launched on26 January and closes on 31 March 2007. As yet, no applications have been receivedbut there is a keen interest as evidenced by requests for application forms.

There is no requirement thatan organisation has charitable status to be eligible for application to the SurvivorsFund, but there will need to be satisfactory evidence that the organisation meets the criteria aslaid out in the fund guidelines.

I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-31550 on 14 February 2007. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I refer the member to the answerto question S2W-31556 on 14 February 2007. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility forwhich can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

Defining “dangerous and persistentoffenders” depends on the circumstances of the individual cases and assessmentsof the risk posed. That is why the Executive has introduced internationally recognised tools for the agenciesinvolved in the assessment and management of offenders and trained them in theiruse. This ensures a consistent approach across the different agencies which canbe adapted to the needs of the individual and for the interests of public protection.