The Commissioner has written to the Prime Minister proposing a practical change to the Scotland Act 1998. The change would allow Scotland’s UNCRC Act to apply more consistently when Scottish
Results for Mental Health
Our response to the UK Government’s ‘Growing up in the online world: a national consultation.’
The Commissioner’s office undertook a children’s rights impact assessment (CRIA) which considers how the UK Government’s proposals might affect the rights of children and young people, both positively and negatively. The CRIA considered the international rights framework and current published evidence. The office also worked with their Young Advisors – a group of children aged 12-17 from all over Scotland – to inform their response.
Wellbeing and Sustainability (Scotland) Bill
January 2026. We provided MSPs with a briefing ahead of their Stage 1 debate on this Bill. This briefing sets out our views on the proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development
Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 Briefing
January 2025. We provided MSPs with a briefing ahead of their Stage 1 debate on this Bill. The Commissioner welcomes and support’s Daniel Johnson MSP’s Members Bill on the use
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.
Health, Social Care and Sport Committee: Pre-budget scrutiny 2026-27, with a focus on mental health spending
Our submission to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee highlights concerns about children and young people’s mental health services. While investment has increased, key targets remain unmet, access is inconsistent, and greater transparency and sustained funding are needed.
The Youth Commission On Mental Health Services: What progress has been made with the recommendations?
We commissioned research with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) and Young Scot to assess what improvements had been made since the Youth Commission on Mental Health Services made over 100 recommendations in 2019. Putting this work back into the spotlight, it found that there has been limited progress over the last five years and limited transparency. The Commissioner called for the Scottish Government to be clearer and more accountable on what recommendations it has progressed in the years since.
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’s Rights and International Day of Happiness: Activities
This Happiness Activities Sheet was created to go alongside our special Happiness Assembly, held on UN International Day of Happiness. Thousands of children across Scotland joined Children’s Commissioner Nicola Killean and Young Advisor Saif for a joyful, laughter-filled celebration of happiness and human rights.
Letter to Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers – Statutory Framework on Restraint and Seclusion
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, alongside the Scottish Human Rights Commission, The Promise Scotland, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has urged the Scottish Government to establish a unified statutory framework on restraint and seclusion across all child care settings.