NEW child protection guidance for those working with disabled children and young people has been launched by the Scottish Government.

It follows requests from professionals for greater guidance on how to deal with early intervention when issues of child protection arise.

The Child Protection and Disability Toolkit has been developed by the Government's Ministerial Working Group on Child Protection and Disability and WithScotland.

It includes guidance on investigating and referring child protection concerns, case studies, and interviews with parents of disabled children.

Children's Minister Aileen Campbell said: "The vast majority of families provide safe and positive environments for children. However, research has shown that disabled children are more likely to suffer abuse."