The SCLC has an invaluable and unique input to make towards the objectives of delivering better outcomes for all children and young people in Scotland.

The development of policy in important issues is a crucial aspect of our work. The shaping of our policy priorities is supported by our involvement in high level working groups, for example, the Children’s Services Steering Group, the Research Advisory Group for Understanding Child Contact Cases in Scottish Courts and the Scottish Parliament's Cross Party Group on Children and Young People.

We are committed to being involved in the monitoring of proposed and draft legislation and to contributing to relevant Scottish Executive consultations. SCLC provides a unique and essential input into such consultations given our expert legal knowledge in relation to children and young people.

The SCLC works in partnership with other voluntary and statutory organisations on a regular basis. Through our work with the Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights (SACR), we are involved in discussions leading to the reporting to the UN Committee regarding the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

You will find here our latest policy work, including reports and consultation responses. If you would like to raise a policy issue with us, or if you have questions about developing your own organisation's policies relating to children's rights, please contact us, or call us on 0131 667 6333.

Current Policies

Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)

The SCLC held two seminars on the Draft Children's Services (Scotland) Bill to encourage debate and discussion on these important legislative proposals. Here you can read our report on the feedback from these consultation events, and our response to the Scottish Executive's consultation.

Education Appeal Committees: Proposals for Reform

• Scottish Executive consultation paper
• SCLC response

Guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their child at home

• Scottish Executive consultation paper
• SCLC response

Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Scottish Vetting and Barring Scheme

• Scottish Executive consultation paper
• SCLC response
• SCLC written evidence

Our consultation responses and reports are in PDF format. You will need Adobe Reader to see these files. If you do not have it already, you can download Adobe Reader for free.