We are pleased to announce that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 has come into effect today, 16th July 2024. This landmark legislation ensures that all children and young people in Scotland, under the age of 18, have their rights protected.
Under this new law, NHS Lanarkshire and all other public bodies are required to take proactive steps to ensure the protection of children’s rights in their decision-making and service delivery. This responsibility extends to our commissioned services and independent contractors.
Children and young people will now have the ability to go to court to challenge any breaches of their rights. Public bodies will also need to report to the Scottish Government on their efforts to protect and advance children’s rights. Additionally, Scotland’s Children and Young People’s Commissioner has been given the authority to raise legal challenges in court.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) outlines 42 rights, known as articles. The new legislation impacts all NHS Lanarkshire services and decisions affecting children and young people, whether directly or indirectly. This includes patients, young carers, visitors, staff members, and prospective users of our services who are under 18.
Staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the UNCRC articles and consider how their current practices can be improved to better protect children’s rights.
Professor Josephine S Pravinkumar, Director of Public Health, welcomed the legislation, stating:
“This is a significant step forward in ensuring that the rights of all children and young people in Scotland are recognised and upheld. We are committed to complying with the requirements of the Act.’
Guidance has been made available on the dedicated FirstPort page, which includes local case studies, links to further information and resources on:
– New child-friendly complaints principles
– Meaningful participation and engagement with children and young people
– Writing child-friendly information
– Conducting best interest assessments and a template to record this
– Consent and Children and Young People
For more information and updates, please visit: FirstPort.
For any enquiries, staff can contact us via email at: Children’sRights@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk .
