Policy Briefings
Children in Scotland produces a range of briefings for members and MSPs on policy and legislative issues affecting children, young people and their families.

Young people's briefings are available to members of the Participation Network.

Limited paper copies are available for members on request.

LATEST BRIEFINGS

Early years debate

A briefing for MSPs ahead of the Scottish Parliament early years debate.

(November 2007)

Fathers and fatherhood: the Gender Equality Duty

A briefing highlighting some of the key issues relating to the new UK wide Gender Equality Duty. (September 2007)

Children living in fuel poverty

A briefing by Barnardo’s, Capability Scotland, Child Poverty Action Group, Children in Scotland, and Save the Children on children living in fuel poverty. (June 2007)

Draft Culture (Scotland) Bill

A briefing highlighting some of the key issues on cultural entitlements in relation to children and young people.(February 2007)

Protection of Vulnerable Groups Bill - Stage 1

A briefing on the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Bill at Stage 1. (January 2007)

Schools (Nutrition and Health Promotion) Bill - Stage 1

A briefing on the Schools (Nutrition and Health Promotion) Bill at Stage 1. (January 2007)

BRIEFINGS BY SUBJECT

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill, Stage 1

A briefing on the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1. (September 2006)

Secure and safe homes for our most vulnerable children - proposals for action on adoption, fostering and permanence
This briefing outlines the Scottish Executive's key proposals for improving the adoption and fostering system in Scotland. The main proposal is the introduction of a new Permanence Order for children who are looked after by local authorities away from their families for long periods but for whom adoption is not suitable. The briefing also highlights key issues for discussion. (July 2005)

CHILD PROTECTION

Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Scottish Vetting and Barring Scheme

This information briefing outlines the key proposals in the Scottish Executive consultation. Key points for discussion are also highighted. (April 2006)

SWIA Report on Western Isles Child Abuse Case
This briefing summarises the SWIA findings and recommendations from the Western Isles Child Abuse Case. The briefing outlines a number of key questions to encourage Children in Scotland's members to share their views on this case/inspection with Children in Scotland policy staff. (November 2005)

Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 Briefing

Briefing for MSPs highlighting key concerns and issues.

Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill Stage 3 Briefing

Briefing for MSPs highlighting key concerns and issues.

Protecting children from sexual harm - Briefing and Feedback Form on consultation document (July 2004)
This briefing outlines the key points and issues on Scottish Executive proposals to legislate to make it an offence to meet or travel to meet children for purposes of committing a sexual offence, following grooming behaviour; and introduce Risk of Sexual Harm Orders aimed at protecting children from those who display inappropriate sexual behaviour.

Cross Border Vetting Arrangements (2004)

This briefing highlights cross border issues in preventing unsuitable persons from gaining positions working with children and young people in Scotland, concentrating on UK issues but also making reference to the EU.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Getting it right for every child - proposals for action
This briefing outlines the Scottish Executive's key proposals for changes to children's services including the Children's Hearings System. The briefing also highlights key issues for discussion. (June 2005)

CRIME AND JUSTICE

Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 Debate (March 2004)
This briefing outlines key concerns raised by members at Stage 1 of the Bill.

The Antisocial behaviour etc. (Scotland) Bill (November 2003)
This briefing outlines key points and issues relating to the Bill.

Putting our Communities First: A Strategy for Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (August 2003)
This briefing highlights key issues in relation to the Scottish Executive’s antisocial behaviour strategy.

Improving Scotland’s Youth Justice System (December 2001)
This briefing outlines key issues for a Scottish Parliament debate.

The Children’s Hearings System (September 2001)
A briefing for a general debate on the system.

EARLY YEARS

Nutritional Guidance for early years: food choices for children aged 1-5 years in early education and childcare settings, a consultation document
This briefing outlines the key issues in relation to the guidance.

Scottish Parliament Education Committee: Early Years Inquiry (March 2005)

This briefing outlines key issues and questions as a starting point for discussion in relation to the Committee's inquiry.

Draft Integrated Strategy for the Early Years (June 2003)
This briefing highlights key issues in the draft strategy.

EDUCATION

Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Bill, Stage 3

A briefing on the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Bill at Stage 3. (May 2006)

Making the difference - improving parents' involvement in schools - a consultation on a draft Bill

This briefing outlines the key provisions of the draft Bill and identifies key issues for discussion. (April 2005)

Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Bill (November 2003)
An outline of key points and issues in relation to the Bill.

National Education Debate (October 2002)
An outline of key points for a debate in the Scottish Parliament.

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Bill (December 2000)
An outline of key points and issues in relation the Bill.

FAMILIES

Family Law (Scotland) Bill and related non-legislative initiatives (February 2005)

This briefing outlines the main provisions in the Bill and related non-legislative initiatives such as a Parenting Agreement for Scotland.

Family Matters: Improving Family Law in Scotland (April 2004)
An outline of key points and issues in relation to a pre-legislative consultation.

HEALTH

Sexual Health Strategy - Key concerns
Briefing for MSPs for a debate held on 15 June 2005 regarding Scotland's first national sexual health strategy, "Respect and Responsibility", published January 2005. (June 2005)

Enhancing Sexual Wellbeing in Scotland: A Sexual Health and Relationships Strategy.  Proposals to the Scottish Executive (November 2003)
Key points in relation to the draft strategy.

Stage 3 Briefing on the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Bill (March 2003)
A briefing on key issues at Stage 3 of the Bill.

PARTICIPATION

Youth Participation (May 2002)
Key points for a Scottish Parliament debate.

POVERTY

Fuel Poverty and Children and Young People (February 2005)

This briefing outlines key points and concerns relating to children and young people and fuel poverty in Scotland.  Children in Scotland held a fringe meeting at the Scottish Labour Party Conference on this issue in 2005.

RIGHTS

Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights Bill
A briefing for MSPs in relation to proposals for a Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights. (November 2005)