The Scottish Government has published its first Proposal for the Children’s Rights Scheme under the UNCRC Incorporation (Scotland) Act 2024, marking a historic milestone in embedding children’s rights into law. Public authorities now have a legal duty to act compatibly with the UNCRC when delivering relevant functions, creating a proactive culture of accountability for children’s […]
children's rights
Scotland’s Child Poverty Crisis Deepens, Warns New Report
Child poverty in Scotland remains unacceptably high, according to a newly published report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Nearly one in four children are growing up in poverty, with over half living in households where someone is disabled. The report highlights worsening conditions for families due to insecure work, inadequate social security, and rising housing […]
Rights, Resilience and Real-Life Stories — our Autumn/Winter 2025 Magazine
Across Scotland, children and young people are discovering their health rights — and this season’s magazine from Children’s Health Scotland is a celebration of what happens when those rights are recognised, respected, and realised.
Celebrating Rights and Raising Voices – Care Experienced Week 2025
The rights and voices of care experienced children are the focus of this year’s Care Experienced Week – a powerful celebration of identity, resilience, and empowerment. Running from 25 October to 1 November, the week honours children, young people, and adults who have experience of care – whether through foster care, kinship care, residential settings, […]
Delivering on The Promise: A Call for Clarity, Commitment and Collective Action
Audit Scotland’s October 2025 report, Improving Care Experience: Delivering The Promise, offers a sobering reflection on Scotland’s progress towards fulfilling its national commitment to care experienced children and young people by 2030.
New research highlights lack of progress on young people’s mental health support
A new report has revealed limited progress and transparency in improving mental health support for young people in Scotland—six years after over 100 recommendations were made by the Youth Commission on Mental Health Services (YCMHS).
💙 Celebrating Our Champions: Fundraising for Scottish Children’s Health Week
As Scottish Children’s Health Week (SCHW) draws to a close today, we’re reflecting on a week filled with creativity, connection, and care. From 1–7 September, children, families, schools, and communities across Scotland have come together to celebrate the health rights of children and young people under the theme #MyHealthMyRights and #BeMoreBear.
#BeKind – Niamh: Inspiring Change Through Kindness
Every child and young person deserves to feel supported and heard, especially in healthcare. Niamh McGregor, a young volunteer, proud Health Rights Defender, and Winner of Children’s Health Scotland’s: Healthcare Rights Award, is using her kindness and lived experiences to help children and young people feel more confident, informed, and included in their healthcare journey. […]
Story with Rory: Sandy Meets The Teddy Hospital
This #BeBrave Tuesday, Rory is sharing a story about one very brave boy named Sandy, who reminds us that courage can grow through play, understanding, and support. In Sandy Meets The Teddy Hospital, Sandy is feeling worried about his hospital visit. But with the help of Health Play Specialist Melody and his cuddly companion Bear, Sandy […]
Celebrating the Success of SMS Programmes
For children and young people living with a health condition, life can sometimes feel overwhelming and isolating. That’s why our Self-Management Service (SMS) Programmes are so important. Today, we are celebrating SMS programmes and the positive difference they continue to make in the lives of children and families. Since 2009, they have been helping children […]
