The Commissioner used her legal powers of investigation to examine how Police Scotland records and monitors the use of force against children, including Tasers, strip searches, restraint and strikes. The investigation found gaps and inconsistencies in the data which make it difficult to properly scrutinise what is happening and whether some groups of children are being disproportionately affected.
Results for Discrimination
Improving Protections in the Justice System for Women and Girls
Scottish Government Consultation. Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland August 2026 Question 5: Do you have views on how the offence of spiking is addressed under existing laws? Under existing
Response to the ‘Use of Stop and Search – Revised Code of Practice’ consultation
May 2026 Established by the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2003, the Commissioner is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the rights of all children and young people
Children (Care, Care Experience and Service Planning (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3 MSP briefing
March 2026. We sent MSPs a briefing ahead of their Stage 3 consideration of the above Bill. We have previously provided the Education, Children and Young People Committee with Stage
Children (Care, Care Experience and Service Planning) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 2 briefing
February 2026. We provided the Education, Children and Young People Committee with a briefing ahead of their Stage 2 consideration on the above bill. We have previous provided Committee with
National Bus Travel Concession Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Order 2026
January 2026. We provided a submission to the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on the above order. 1. Prior to the instrument being laid, were you aware
Annual Report 2024 – 2025
Our Annual Report covers the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, marking Commissioner Nicola Killean’s first full year in the role. It reflects a landmark moment for children’s rights in Scotland, with the UNCRC incorporated into Scots law for the first time — the most significant change to the office’s powers since its creation in 2003.
ADHD and ASD pathways and support
August 2025. We submitted a response to the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s inquiry into diagnositic pathways and support for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and
Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 1 evidence
August 2025. We submitted evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People’s Committee on this Bill. This Bill was previously referred to as the “Promise Bill”. Key Points
‘Children’s Hearings Redesign’ – Scottish Government Consultation Response
Oct 2024 The Principles of a Redesigned Children’s Hearings System Historically, the Children’s Hearings System has been grounded in what are commonly described as the Kilbrandon Principles. It was never