Realising the right of children separated from parents in armed forces families: learning from the Scottish context

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: Children in armed forces families

This new blog is about the work of Doudou Zhong, an MSc candidate at the University of Edinburgh, examining how the rights of children from Armed Forces families in Scotland are protected, fulfilled, and promoted during periods of parental separation caused by military service. The blog is part of a series exploring MSc students’ findings, who worked with the support of Together, the Observatory of Children’s Human Rights in Scotland and Forces Children Scotland.

Read more

Access to “third spaces” for children and youth: public spaces and community belonging in Scotland

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: Recreation, play and cultural activities, Planning and community

This new blog is about the work of Debbie Zhang, an MSc candidate at the University of Edinburgh, exploring access to ‘third spaces’ for children and young people. The blog is part of a series exploring MSc students’ findings, who worked with the support of Together, the Observatory of Children’s Human Rights in Scotland, Pilton Youth and Children’s Project (Edinburgh) and Lothian Association of Youth Clubs.

Read more

The role of youth work in the realization of the human rights of young people in Scotland – with a focus on young refugees

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: Refugee , migrant and asylum-seeking children, Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

This new blog is about the work of Jiaying Wang, an MSc candidate at the University of Edinburgh, exploring the role of youth work in realising Human RIghts for young people, especially refugees, in Scotland. The blog is part of a series exploring MSc students’ findings, who worked with the support of Together, the Observatory of Children’s Human Rights in Scotland and YouthLink Scotland.

Read more

Review of legislative landscape for children in care

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: General measures of implementation, Care Experienced children

An independent, expert-led review has been announced that will consider changes to the legislative framework for the children’s care system. The 12-month review will be led by Professor Kenneth Norrie, working in partnership with CELCIS.

Read more

Age of criminal responsibility review

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: Age of criminal responsibility

Scottish Government has concluded its review of the Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019. While it acknowledges a further increase to the age of criminal responsibility is possible and “would strengthen Scotland’s commitment to child rights”, it does not commit to any change – saying that further evidence gathering, review and public consultation would be required before a decision is made.

Read more

Record low number of Coordinated Support Plans

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: Inclusive education, Education, including vocational education

New figures highlighted by the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC) show a growing gap between the number of children identified with additional support needs (ASN) and those receiving a Coordinated Support Plan (CSP).

Read more

Children’s Commissioner seeks new Young Advisors!

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: Respect for the views of the child

The Children and Young People’s Commissioner (CYPCS) is seeking children and young people aged 12-17 for an exciting role that makes a big difference to children’s rights in Scotland. No experience is needed, support will be given and expenses paid.

Read more

Stubbing out the tobacco and nicotine industry’s harmful products: improving Scotland’s health

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: Health and health services, Adolescent health

ASH Scotland has published their manifesto for the 2026 election. It outlines the actions needed to achieve the goal of reducing smoking rates to 5% or less across communities by 2034 to reduce inequalities, premature deaths, tobacco-related costs to Scottish society and tackle the public health concern of nicotine addiction among children and young people.

Read more

The Promise Scotland: updated logo

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: General measures of implementation, Care Experienced children

The Promise Scotland updated their logo with the aim to create more clarity between them as an organisation and the promise.

Read more

Understanding Scotland’s progress on children’s social care

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: Family Environment and Alternative Care

CELCIS has reported on updates made to the Plan 24-30 route maps and the Promise Story of Progress.

Read more