New Moray child protection unit opens

A NEW child protection unit in Elgin has officially opened.

Moray Council convener George McIntyre and Grampian Joint Police Board convener Martin Greig carried out the honours.

It replaces a temporary unit which has been operating from Elgin police station since 2008.

The building cost £1.135million and was jointly funded by the council and police.

Child protection services including social workers, police and NHS staff will all be brought together in the new hub.

They will provide direct intervention where concerns exist about the safety and welfare of children as well as providing advice and support to a wide range of staff throughout Moray working with vulnerable youngsters and their families.

Sandy Riddell, chairman of Moray’s child protection sub-committee, stressed the significance of the new building.

He said: "Without doubt our local child protection services have been steadily improving over recent years and this excellent facility will help to ensure that key staff have immediate access to each other and are able to assist with ongoing inquiries.

"Crucially, the unit will further strengthen information sharing and decision making to support staff in undertaking their vital work.

"The opening of the unit symbolises another important milestone in partnership working in Moray."