The Children (Scotland) Bill will be in front of the Scottish Parliament for the final time on Tuesday 25 August.
Ahead of incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law, the Bill takes significant steps towards realising children’s rights in areas including:
- The right to a say,
- Sibling contact,
- Keeping safe.
Our policy work around the Bill
MSP Briefing: Children (Scotland) Bill (Stage 3)
August 2020. Our briefing to MSPs ahead of this Bill details the proposed amendments supported by our office.
Evidence to Justice Committee: Call for Views on the Children (Scotland) Bill
Evidence around this proposed Bill.
Response: Review of Part 1 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995
Notes of an interview between our Policy Officer Megan Farr and the Scottish Government on a review of Part 1 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995
The right to a say
The Children (Scotland) Bill will create a presumption that all children are able to give their views when courts make decisions about their lives.
It’s a step towards making our courts comply with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Sibling contact
Care experienced children will get support to keep in contact with their brothers and sisters once the Children (Scotland) Act becomes Scots law― fulfilling their human right to sibling contact.
Keeping safe
The Children (Scotland) Bill includes important measures to keep children safe, when they have contact with a parent in a contact centre.
Our MSP Briefing
Our MSP Briefing for Stage 3 debate of the Children (Scotland) Bill contains detailed information around our stance on the issues it contains.