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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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National Youth Work Awards 2026

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

The National Youth Work Awards 2026 are open for nominations! This is your chance to recognise and celebrate the youth workers, projects and youth work organisations transforming young lives across Scotland. From innovative initiatives to inspiring mentors, we want to hear about the impactful work making a difference for Scotland’s young people.

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Chickenpox vaccine rollout

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: Babies and early years, Health and health services

From January 2026 onwards, NHS Scotland introduces the new MMRV vaccination to the routine childhood schedule, which is to provide children with immunity from measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox.

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Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: General measures of implementation, Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill has entered the Report Stage in the House of Lords. Together has been working with our sister organisation – Child Rights Alliance England (CRAE) – to embed legal protections for children’s rights at UK level.

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European Parliament’s Anti-Poverty Strategy Report: civil society coalition demands strong approval in plenary

Date: 20th January 2026
Category: Child poverty

The European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) adopted its position on the Developing a New EU Anti-Poverty Strategy report. Civil society groups united under the Coalition on the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy have issued a joint statement urging Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to support this ambitious position in the upcoming plenary vote scheduled for January 2026.

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