A father has slammed the Scottish Government’s beleaguered Named Person scheme, describing the state guardian role as “sinister”.
Duncan MacGillivray wrote to The Scotsman to express his concerns about the plans as a registered social worker and a parent of two disabled children.
He said that the scheme, due to come into force in August, has already been “more of a hindrance than a help” to him.
Intrusive
MacGillivray wrote that there is a “sinister tone” around the Named Person role, describing it as “intrusive to parents and families”.
He also stressed that there is a “very real possibility” that it will be “implemented inconsistently and unfairly”.
Citing his role as a social worker and an advocacy worker for an autism project, he spoke of the “disconnect” which occurs between parents and professionals under Named Person guidance.
Shocking
MacGillivary added: “I do not feel this universal approach to the wellbeing of our children is an appropriate or well-thought-out one.
“For children with disabilities the existing legislation of the 1995 Children (Scotland) Act was and is perfectly adequate if implemented honestly and in good faith by local authorities.”
Last week another father spoke anonymously of his ‘shocking’ experience with a pilot version of the Named Person scheme.
Trivial’ concerns
Speaking to Scotland on Sunday the man, dubbed Mr Smith, revealed that notes written by his youngest son’s named person expressed concern over “trivial things” which are “part of everyday parenting”.
A largely redacted 60-page record showed that notes had been made on the fact his son sucked his thumb and had a runny nose.
One handwritten note from the named person read: “[Mr Smith] feels it is impossible to stop his youngest son from sucking his thumb as he needs it for comfort. Did not appear to take advice on board fully.”
Another separate comment raised concerns over his child having “crusts on his face from nasal discharge”.
Chilling
The father said: “I felt angry and powerless when I saw these notes made of very trivial things and constant surveillance of small things that are part of everyday parenting – a total lack of respect and confidence in the parents.”
Commenting on the Named Person scheme itself, he said: “I find it sinister. I find it very creepy. I find it chilling”.