Will the new bill aid children and young people?

A new bill is being pushed through the Scottish Parliament, The Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill. The most interesting parts of the proposed bill are in connection with the named person.

Provisions relating to a ‘named person’ will:

• Place a duty on NHS Boards to allocate every child with a named person from birth to school age
• Place a duty on local authorities to allocate every child with a named person until they are 18 or leave school, whichever is later.
• Oblige all relevant authorities to share information with the named person if it is necessary to safeguard, support and promote the wellbeing of the child.

What this means is that parents will no longer be the guardians of their children`s wellbeing and will lose their right to a private and family life. (Article 8 Human Rights Act). Parents will be snooped on throughout their children`s lives, as will children, so that the authorities can swiftly intervene as they see fit.

Given the collaboratives being built incrementally amongst key professionals at the moment the net closing around families and children is going to be truly suffocating -  and with no opportunity to opt out.


New bill will aid children and young people 


Ms Campbell , Minister for Children and Young people said:

“There is excellent work being done across Scotland to support parents, carers, children and young people. This Bill will improve levels of care and support to children and families across the country through an increase in free and more flexible early learning and childcare from 475 to 600 hours, as well as more joined up services to support the wellbeing of all children and young people through a named person.

• Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill