Books, booklets & multimedia

A guide for medical advisers - Advocating, promoting and protecting the health of looked after children in Scotland

	Price: £6.95	BAAF, March 2006 ISBN 978-1-903699-99-7

Numerous studies have shown consistently poor health outcomes for children in public care. In general, the population of looked after children has more complex health problems often resulting from inconsistent care, poor health follow-up or significant emotional damage. In this situation, the role of the medical adviser in adoption and fostering matters is of vital importance.

Many medical advisers to adoption, fostering and permanence agencies and panels have little direct experience or knowledge of adoption and fostering, and can find the surrounding legal and social work practice context intimidating. This guide makes the role more understandable by setting out the main issues surrounding the work of the medical adviser.

This is also the first guide to focus particularly on the work of the medical adviser in Scotland: Scotland's legal system differs from that of other UK countries in many important ways that, in turn, have a significant effect on practice. Topics covered by the guide include: the main components of the medical adviser's role; the functions and duties of panels; the legal background to adoption and fostering; the health evaluation of children and adults; the role of designated nurses for looked after children; and the adviser's role in intercountry adoption.

With a wealth of useful information about the legal, medical and social work aspects of this complex area, this guide is an essential purchase for all Scottish medical advisers.