Safe, Active, Happy: the Plan for Scotland’s Children

[4 May 2006] - Children and young people throughout Scotland are to be issued with a ‘detective kit’ to investigate exactly what they can – or can’t – do in their area. The idea is part of a two-year Action Plan, launched this month by Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, Kathleen Marshall, and is based on the results of two extensive consultation exercises.

The first was the biggest-ever poll of children and young people in Scotland, with 16,000 votes being cast. The issue children and young people most wanted the Commissioner to work on was ‘Things To Do’ - activities that are affordable and accessible to all, and that are designed with the help of young people themselves in co-operation with trusted adults.

Response to the second consultation, with agencies working with, and for, children and young people, led the Commissioner to identify a complementary priority of trying to find a better balance between child protection, fun, adventure and healthy relationships.

Kathleen Marshall said: “There are common themes in both priorities so taking these two things together is the natural way to progress my work. The detective kit, which will be designed with the help of children and young people and piloted before general release, is just one part of a three-stage plan to achieve our goals. Firstly, we will specifically identify issues of prime concern, along with examples of good practice. Secondly we will explore ways to address the problem areas. Thirdly we will commission research to track and evaluate the difference our work is making."

“Despite years of promises, children in Scotland still feel let down by the shortage of activities for them to take part in. Quite simply, they tell us that, across much of the country, there really is "nothing to do" and this can result in them hanging around on the street. Although children and young people often feel isolated or demonised as a result, this consultation response shows how keen they are to improve their lives and be safe, active and happy.”

The post of Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People was created by an Act of the Scottish Parliament in 2003 and is independent of both the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive. The Commissioner’s basic remit is to promote and safeguard the rights of children and young people, with particular emphasis on the rights set out in the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. She also monitors the law, policy and practice for effectiveness in relation to the rights of children and young people, promotes best practice by service providers working with children.