In 2007 the Scottish Government launched the National Performance Framework which set out, among other things, its vision for children and young people. Part of that vision is a commitment to provide all children with the best start in life and encourage young people to develop into successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.
This discussion paper sets out further detail about how the Government plans to implement the recommendations of the Gregg Review on personalised conditionality and support (published in December 2008). In particular it focuses on the supportive framework we want to put in place to help many more parents with younger children and Employment and Support Allowance claimants to prepare for work. Putting this framework in place should ensure further progress in our aim to support families, promote employment and eradicate child poverty.
A report on the findings of the joint inspections of services to protect children 2005-2009.
Reports on a study into outreach services offered by Sure Start Children's Centres to engage and support disadvantaged children and families. Key aims were to discover whether outreach was successful in reaching the most disadvantaged, to discover a definition of best practice and to highlight the relevant skills, qualifications and experience for good outreach.
The report describes the current strengths and weaknesses in policy provision to combat child poverty when parental employment is constrained and is a timely analysis given the approaching 2010 deadline for halving child poverty from 1999 levels. The analysis uses original and unique tax-benefit modelling of current provision across a range of low-paid and out-of-work family profiles.
The Government's decision to provide all children and young people with the opportunity to participate fully in decisions that affect them is to be welcomed. It should give Local Authorities the opportunity to develop the appropriate methods of communication that participants need to engage fully in the Children in Care Councils. Children in Care Councils have the potential to contribute to transforming the lives of those involved, providing that children and young people are given the correct platform to share and discuss their views.
Report of an independent review into children's services in England which considered how effectively different services are working together and pinpointed areas for improvement.
Section of the UK Parliament website holding the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee's report on knife crime, it's causes, consequences and what can be done to reduce and prevent it.
Factsheet that explains why children and young people may want to seek help and what prevents them from asking for it. It offers advice to organisations on how to encourage children to ask for help and support.
Children and young people in Scotland continue to live in run-down, overcrowded, damp housing or are stuck in temporary housing affecting all aspects of their current and future lives. This report presents an overview of the bad housing and homelessness situation in Scotland.