In her role as Practice Development Advisor for CYCJ, Debbie has worked across various areas. Debbie previously led CYCJ’s work regarding children who are deprived of their liberty, looked after children and care leavers, and the disclosure of criminal records. She played a major role in the finalisation, design, delivery and supporting the implementation of the Secure Care Pathway and Standards Scotland.
Debbie undertook a 2-and-a-half-year secondment to the Scottish Government’s Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill team where she was involved throughout the consultation on policy proposals, development of the Bill and its progression through Parliament. She also supported the engagement of stakeholders throughout this process, including children and young people, and the development of the resource and implementation group for the Bill. Debbie’s current role at CYCJ is to lead our support to stakeholders in preparing for commencement and implementation of the Bill in practice.
Prior to working at CYCJ Debbie spent ten years working with vulnerable and marginalised children and young people across sectors and in various roles including within a Children and Families Social Work team.