Before the final debate on the children and young people’s bill, we talk to Children in Scotland chief executive Jackie Brock

Why do we need a new law for Scottish children?

The CYP Bill has the potential to change the lives of children and families in Scotland. It looks holistically at what can be done at every stage to improve experiences and tighten the safety net around the most vulnerable and ensures consistent implementation of the Getting it Right for Every Child approach.

We would like to see more done to address the poverty, deprivation and resulting inequalities that are stopping so many of our youngsters achieving their potential

How will Scottish children’s lives improve?

The nill should strengthen cross sector partnership working, safety measures and more support for those who need it most. Day to day, the bill should help service providers and front line staff by breaking down barriers – perceived and otherwise – particularly around information sharing, which we know is a constant issue.

What is the best bit about the proposals?

Alongside GIRFEC (Getting It Right for Every Child), the bill is extending the right to care for looked after children up to the age of 21 which we hope will mean less young people will leave care earlier than they are ready to, providing some support into adult life. This is a step towards ensuring the support from a corporate parent does not end at 16, as it rarely does for most young people.

Is there still room for improvement?

Absolutely – this bill is by no means perfect. In particular, we would like to see more done in terms of promoting children’s rights and the extension of the statutory childcare hours to more two-year-olds than the 27% currently proposed. Much more also needs to be done to protect out of school care.

What more do Scottish children need?

With the numbers of children on child protection register and those looked after by the state increasing, Scotland clearly needs to assess how families are supported in the early stages. We would like to see more done to address the poverty, deprivation and resulting inequalities that are stopping so many of our youngsters achieving their potential.

Where should campaigners go from here?

The bill has brought some important steps forward but there have also been a few opportunities missed and Children in Scotland intend to be at the forefront of efforts to ensure these issues remain top of the agenda whatever the outcome of the final debate. Work with us by contacting [email protected]