Policy Changes Affect Children Less In Scotland, Says Charity

Children in Scotland have suffered less from changes in policies than other parts of the UK, a new report said today.

Action for Children said that youngsters’ “fundamental need for stability, security and continuity” must be placed at the heart of the political process.

A report commissioned by the charity claimed that politicians from all UK parties had put these needs second to their political goals. But the report found the situation in Scotland was better than other parts of the UK.
advertisement

The report, As Long as it Takes: A New Politics for Children, said that across Britain the past 21 years had seen more than 400 major government announcements relating to children, as well 98 Acts of Parliament, 82 different strategies, 77 initiatives and more than 50 new sources of funding.

Since the Scottish Parliament was set up in 1999 there have been 17 pieces of legislation affecting children and young people.

Scotland fared better as it had more consistency in policy making.

Andrew Girvan, director of children’s services for Action for Children Scotland, said: “We simply must put children’s fundamental need for stability, security and continuity at the centre of our political process.”

Comedian Rhona Cameron is backing the charity. Cameron, who was adopted, said: “There should be someone available for adopted kids throughout their lives.Everyone else has a helpline, so why can’t adopted kids?”

Action for Children called for new projects to be funded for at least six years. It also wants all government departments across the UK to examine how their policies affect youngsters.

It recommended that in the UK the Children’s Minister must be a permanent position, who is able to hold government to account.