Public protection

Public protection is an overarching term to describe the local structures and arrangements to protect children and adults. 

It brings together different approaches designed to keep children and adults safe. It recognises that people experience many connected challenges.

Public protection includes prevention, protection and support for recovery from harm. 

Chief Officer Groups are made up of chief executives of health boards and local authorities and Police Scotland Divisional Commanders. They're responsible for assessing and managing risk in their local area. 

The Scottish Government sets out the national context across the core public protection areas:

Child protection 

We work to protect children from harm, abuse and neglect through coordinated support and intervention.  

Find national child protection information on gov.scot.

Adult support and protection 

We work to protect adults at risk from harm and are committed to ensuring the right support and protection is in place for anyone who needs it.

Find national adult support and protection information on gov.scot.

Multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) 

We work to manage risks posed by certain offenders through joint working between agencies. 

Find national MAPPA information on gov.scot.

Alcohol and drug partnerships 

We work to reduce harm and deaths from alcohol and drug use. We support recovery through local partnerships. 

Find national alcohol and drugs partnership information on gov.scot.

Violence against women and girls 

We work to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and exploitation. 

Find national violence against women and girls information on gov.scot.

Suicide prevention 

We work to prevent poor mental health and suicide, providing support through our communities and our services.

Find national suicide prevention information on gov.scot. 

Concerns about someone's safety 

We do not have the responsibility to investigate safety concerns. 

Find out what to do if you're concerned about someone's safety.