Vulnerable children in Fife are to benefit from a new electronic system which provides instant communication between agencies, ensuring that those at risk get the help they need as soon as possible.

Developed and maintained by the Social Work Service, the Child Protection Register will now be available electronically to practitioners in Social Work, Education, NHS Fife and Fife Constabularly who work with children and young people at risk of harm.

Anne Buchanan, Chair of the Child Protection Committee, said: "We believe that all children and young people in Fife have a right to be cared for and protected from harm. We all have a part to play to ensure that they are safe and their needs are met. Here in Fife, we believe that child protection is everyone's job and everyone's responsibility".

Stephen Moore, Executive Director for Social Work, added "The benefits of having this information available on the intranet are huge. Instant access to the register means that anyone with concerns for a child can get the necessary information to ensure that child is immediately protected. This joined-up approach also helps ensure that children don't fall between the cracks."

The information contained on the Register is confidential and will be available only to certain practitioners who will gain access through intranet services, using passwords.

Practitioners will be able to target appropriate, speedy and effective actions for children known to be at risk and will have quick access to up-to-date CPR information meaning cases of abuse or neglect can be detected earlier.

This information has always been available to practitioners in Social Work, Education, NHS Fife and Fife Constabulary. Previously there could be a time delay in receiving this information and ever changing circumstances meant emailed lists could be out of date as soon as they were printed. This electronic approach ensures that information that is already available through other means is readily available when and where the professional needs it.

Councillor Douglas Chapman, Chair of the Education and Children's Services Committee, said: "Providing a high standard of support and protection to children and young people at risk is a priority for all of us. This system will enable all those concerned in child protection to better co-ordinate and update current information and action services for those children."

Anyone worried about a child can access the child protection website and find out who to contact and how to report it. The website also contains valuable information for children, young people and their parents on bullying, personal safety, keeping safe while online or on their mobiles and children's rights. Visit www.fifechildprotection.org.uk