Statement on public inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland

Commenting on the Scottish Government announcement today of a public inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First said:

“Children First have long supported victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to fight for better systems of prevention, detection and protection. Scotland has a duty to confront the harm children have suffered and to put a stop to more children being abused.

“We now need to see full details of this inquiry so we can understand its scope and how it will ensure children’s voices and rights are placed at its centre. What cannot wait is urgent investment in specialist support like that provided by Bairns Hoose. This must be made available to every child who needs it so they can safely disclose harm and receive all the help they need to heal and reclaim their childhood.”

For more details of the Scottish Government announcement click here.

In 2023 Children First opened Scotland's first Bairns Hoose in the West of Scotland to reduce the trauma children can experience through the justice system. We are now working with local partners to support the development of Bairns Hoose across Scotland. Read more on Children First’s work on Bairns Hoose here.