February 2025. We responded to MSP Martin Whitfield’s proposal for a Youth Work Bill. Youth work in Scotland plays an important role in ensuring children can access their UNCRC rights.
Results for Mental Health
Letter to Natalie Don-Innes, Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise – Lack of secure beds
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland has raised urgent concerns with the Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise over a lack of secure accommodation, leaving vulnerable children without necessary care. The Commissioner calls for immediate action to address capacity issues and ensure children’s safety.
Protecting children from harms online
July 2024. We responded to OFCOM’s consultation on draft Codes of Practice for search and peer to peer services, as part of the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023.
Response to Consultation on ‘Restricting Promotions of Food and Drink High in Fat, Sugar or Salt’
In May 2024 we responded to the Scottish Governments consultation on ‘Restricting Promotions of Food and Drink High in Fat, Sugar or Salt’ – in this we highlighted the unintended consequences this policy may have on children and young people experiencing poverty
Response to Consultation on the Housing (Scotland) Bill
In May 2024 we responded to the consultation on the Housing (Scotland) Bill – in our response we highlighted our concerns for children and young people living in poverty especially those facing housing issues and homelessness
Annual Report 2023-24
Our 2023/2024 Annual Report, covering a big year for children’s human rights in Scotland. We also have a report for younger people and an Easy Read version.
National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Services
We responded to a limited consultation by the Scottish Government on the regulations for a new National Secure Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Service – to be known as Foxgrove.
Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill
February 2024. We submitted a response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on proposals for the above Bill. This response was originally submitted via the Scottish Government’s Consultation Hub. Defining wellbeing
Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill Consultation
We are aware that there are many barriers to formal diagnosis and many children face long waits for a formal assessment and diagnosis. Children can also experience changes of diagnosis. This reinforces the approach taken by the Equality Act 2010 and the Education (Additional Support for Learnings) (Scotland) Act 2004 (as amended) and counters the persistence of the medical model, which can be a barrier to realising children’s rights.
Our Plan 2024-28
Engaging the voices of children and young people is at the core of our mission for the next four years. Introducing ‘Your Rights, Our Plan,’ a comprehensive resource pack designed to empower adults in guiding children and young people through vital discussions about our work. Packed with videos, PowerPoints, and a survey, this resource facilitates conversations around six key questions, shaping the roadmap for Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland Nicola Killean’s Strategic Plan.