The Case Against Vetting

Did you know that people who work with children are now subject to more stringent criminal tests than those who sell explosives, or practice law? Do you agree that the child protection industry is poisoning adult-child relations? Join the stand against "suspect first - smile later" legislation and sign this important petition.

As you know the Scottish Parent Teacher Council has a long-running campaign to bring some sense to child protection. We have now joined forces with The Manifesto Club to put the case against over-zealous vetting.

The Manifesto Club recently launched their official report which can also be downloaded from the Manifesto Club website at www.manifestoclub.com/hubs/vetting

This report, written by Josie Appleton, looks at the way in which criminal records checks have become routine for any adult working with children - from private violin teachers to 16-year-old lifeguards, from university lectures who teach 17-year-olds to visitors to foster parents' homes.

The report argues that this is a policy driven by suspicion and paranoia. Expanding bureaucratic procedures are damaging communities, undermining the informal ways in which adults collaborate to bring up children, through childcare clubs, local sports teams or school trips.

The Manifesto Club is calling for a more rational debate about child protection procedures. We believe that trust earned through real relationships counts for more than a card saying that you are a state-licensed 'safe adult'.

If you would like to add your support to our campaign, please go to www.petitiononline.com/MCVet/petition.html and add your name to our petition and any comments you may have. Josie Appleton is also collecting a dossier of vetting incidents, showing how these checks are harming volunteering and eroding relations of trust. If you have any questions, or would like to be involved in this campaign, email info@manifestoclub.com