Home-Start Scotland, along with 35 other charities in Scotland, has signed a letter to the Minister of Children and Young People, Maree Todd, to incorporate the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Children (UNCRC) into Scots law before the end of this session of parliament in 2021. 

Children, young people, their families and wider civil society have been working towards UNCRC incorporation for many years. We know from international experience that incorporation encourages a culture change in which children and young people are better valued and respected. Incorporation will provide a meaningful legacy to the Year of Young People 2018, making sure that future generations benefit from the hard work and commitment of today’s children and young people. We look forward to supporting the Scottish Government to make this commitment to UNCRC incorporation a reality for children and young people across Scotland.

Home-Start supports the full incorporation of the UNCRC in Scottish law. Shelagh Young, Director of Home-Start Scotland explains; 

"Families are at the heart of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). but if you don't know about your rights or do not know how to exercise your rights you don't really have them.  

"Home-Start is there for families when they need us most and that includes making sure parents, carers and children know about their human rights, the specific rights of the child and feel able to realise them. 

"We back full incorporation of the UNCRC in Scottish law because, if families are supported when necessary and well-informed, it could contribute to a major and much-needed boost in wellbeing for children and their families."  

That is why we have joined with others to encourage the Minister for Children and Young People, Maree Todd, to be bold and engage and support us all in bringing the full suite of rights into everyday reality.

You can read our letter to the Minister, here