Childrens Rights Report 2020 final (3)
Argyll and Bute Council · 23 March 2023
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 23 March 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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1 Argyll and Bute Children’s Rights Report 2020-23 November 2020
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2 Contents Foreword .............................................................................................................................................. 3 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 4 What Are Children’s Rights? .......................................................................................................... 5 Getting it Right for Every Child and UNCRC............................................................................... 6 Examples of current Practice in Argyll and Bute that reflect the UNCRC ........................ 12 Cluster 1: General Measures of Implementation: ................................................................ 12 Cluster 2. General Principles of UNCRC ................................................................................ 14 Cluster 3. Civil Rights and Freedoms ..................................................................................... 23 Cluster 4. Violence against Children ...................................................................................... 24 Cluster 5. Family Environment and Alternative Care ......................................................... 25 Cluster 6. Basic Health and Welfare........................................................................................ 27 Cluster 7. Education, Leisure and Culture ............................................................................ 30 Cluster 8. Special Protection Measures ................................................................................. 31 Key Actions Going Forward .......................................................................................................... 33 Addendum 1 Key Documents and Plans: .................................................................................. 37 Addendum 2 History of Human Rights Legislation ................................................................ 39
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3 Foreword This report documents how we aim to deliver the Scottish Governments vision of Children’s Rights in Argyll & Bute in the context of Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) and the United Nations Convention for Human Rights (UNCRC). We are committing to ensure we “respect the rights of children, young people and their families and to hear and listen to their voices”. Throughout this document you will see what we plan to do in the next three years and the articles of the convention that it relates too. We are further supporting this though our duties to a Fairer Scotland and the Islands Act which support our vision for equalities and considerations in our remote and rural communities. We will seek to consider the rights of children throughout the scope of our services to ensure that the children and young people of Argyll & Bute grow up with access to the best opportunities available to support the future generation of adults who will make Argyll & Bute a vibrant place to live and work. The adoption of Children’s Rights in Scotland supports its implementation and provides accountability to ensure better outcomes for children in local decision making. This will be the precursor to supporting change in child poverty, access to health services, protection and rights through justice services and reducing the impact on educational attainment on children impacted in this area. We look forward to delivering this commitment together ensuring that we promote a multi-sector partnership approach. The strength of this approach will help us ensure the rights of all children are upheld. Joanna Macdonald Chief Officer Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Pippa Milne Chief Executive Argyll & Bute Council Pam Dudek Chief Executive NHS Highland Health Board Chair Children’s Strategic Group
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4 Introduction This is Argyll and Bute’s first Children’s Rights Report and it will look at how children’s rights are currently fulfilled and some of the key actions taking place over the next three years. In this report Argyll and Bute Council, Highland Health Board and our partners confirm that we support the Scottish Government’s vision that Scotland become the best place in the world for a child to grow up, with opportunities for all in Scotland to flourish. Human rights and the needs of children and young people are central to that vision and to three of Scotland’s national outcomes: We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society We respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination. In Argyll and Bute we work to respect the rights of children, young people and their families and to hear and listen to their voices. We will seek to consult them on key policies and strategies, where possible, and to involve them in decision making in all parts of their lives, including education, health and social care, housing, environment and leisure. We will carry out Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments (CRWIA), engaging with children, young people and their families and making the results of these available by publishing these on the Council website for scrutiny by children, young people and the public. We will ensure that these assessments are written in a child friendly way, or include a child friendly version. In everything we do we will be guided by the principle of the best interests of the child, the wellbeing indicators and the 54 articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Link to Children’s Rights page and a children and young people’s version of the Argyll and Bute Children’s Rights Report. https://sites.google.com/ab.glow.scot/ab-uncrcreporting-cyp/home In 2018 a Care Inspectorate, joint Inspection of Children’s Services in Argyll and Bute reviewed how services work together to protect children where concerns have been raised about their welfare or safety, including children who are currently, or have previously been, on the child protection register. The inspection looked closely at the support that is provide to children and young people who are currently, or have previously been, ‘looked after’, including those living with parents, having short periods of respite care, in kinship care, in residential care (including schools and secure care) and, in foster care. Part of the inspection process involved the Care Inspectorate young inspection volunteers, their role involves attending focus groups with local care
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5 experienced young people and to visit care services with inspectors to check that they are providing good quality care and discuss with them ways to improve. Inspectors, in their final report, noted that it was a strength that: “Children and young people were respected and listened to at both operational and strategic levels, reflecting positive attitudes and significant investment on the part of community planning partners.” What Are Children’s Rights? Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which we are all entitled in order to live with dignity, equality and fairness, and to develop and reach our potential. Human rights are: universal inalienable (not taken/given away) indivisible interdependent (loss of one impacts all) Everyone, including children, have these rights, no matter what their circumstances. Under international law, States/Governments are obliged to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. In Scotland Government Ministers have a duty to promote public awareness and understanding of the rights of children under Part 1 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. Local Authorities and Health Boards have a duty to report back every three years on the steps each has taken to secure better or further effect of UNCRC requirements under s.2 and Schedule 1 of the 2014 Act. Children’s rights cover all aspects of their lives from birth to 18-years-of-age. Children and young people are people in their own right and it is the responsibility of adults, acting through national and local bodies, to ensure that any barriers to children and young people achieving their rights are recognised and removed. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is one of the core international human rights treaties - a universally agreed set of minimum child rights standards which is the most widely ratified of all the international conventions, and with which States must comply. Importantly the UNCRC introduces the concept of a child’s ‘evolving capacities’ (Article 5), which states that direction and guidance provided by parents or others with responsibility for the child must take into account the capacities of the child to exercise rights on their own behalf. It includes four general principles that are not only rights in themselves but underpin every other right in the Convention: For rights to be applied without discrimination (Article 2)
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6 For the best interests of the child to be a primary consideration (Article 3) The right to life, survival and development (Article 6) The right to express a view and have that view given due weight (Article 12) The UNCRC also provides children with a series of individual rights, such as the right to education, health, name, nationality, play and an adequate standard of living. Additional rights have been included for particular groups, including disabled children, children who have been exploited or mistreated, refugee and migrant children, children in custody and children in care. Children’s rights are inextricably linked with the rights of parents and carers, whose important role in children’s lives is recognised throughout. There are 54 articles in the UNCRC, arranged into 8 clusters or themes. Getting it Right for Every Child and UNCRC The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, a children’s rights based document, encapsulates central and local Government duties in terms of children’s rights and is based on the key principles of putting the best interests of the child at the heart of decision making and taking a holistic approach to the wellbeing of a child. In the act, the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) assessment approach reflects the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This approach supports children and young people so that they can grow up feeling loved, safe and respected and can realise their full potential. GIRFEC recognises that all children are unique and that each child should be helped to reach their full potential. A range of experiences can have negative effects on young people; these are recognised in the work on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) or other adversities such as bereavement or bullying, or where a family is affected by illness, disability or poverty. https://www.gov.scot/publications/adverse-childhood-experiences/ GIRFEC is central to all government policies which support children, young people and their families and is delivered through services and people who work with families. It is: child-focused; based on an understanding of the wellbeing of a child in their current situation and also on tackling needs early and through multiagency working. The GIRFEC Collective Leadership Programme was established to provide confidence for practitioners and managers about shared understanding and approaches to the leadership and delivery of services for children and families. The programme will support the Argyll and Bute children’s services partnership to increase the capability and capacity around collective leadership, to drive forward integration and further embed GIRFEC at a local level, this also supports implementation of the
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7 UNCRC and the linkages between the Articles and key elements of GIRFEC. The National practice model incorporates the 8 well-being indicators into planning, decision-making and practice, and endorses the Articles of the UNCRC. The UNCRC Articles that apply to the Wellbeing Indicators: Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments (CRWIAs): These assessments utilise both the Wellbeing Indicators and the UNCRC articles to assess the potential impact of a policy or other measure, on children and young people’s rights and wellbeing in Scotland. It is a key part of our plan that these will be
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8 carried out in Argyll and Bute and the outcomes used to develop good policies and practice that safeguard the rights and needs of children and young people. We will also ensure that the Fairer Scotland Duty, part one of the Equality Act 2010, informs our decision making in a clear and transparent way and that all our strategic decisions have due regard to: eliminating discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the 2010 Act; advancing equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic (as defined by the 2010 Act) and persons who do not share it; fostering good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. In addition we will consider our duties under the Island Scotland Act 2018 and ensure that impact assessments are carried out to ensure that the rights of children and young people from island communities are respected when strategy, policy and service delivery decisions are being made. Article 3: Anyone making decisions that affect young people should make young people’s interests a priority.
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9 Supporting Children and Young People During the Covid19 Pandemic: In Argyll and Bute the challenge of the Covid19 pandemic was met by an effective multi-agency partnership, led by the Council that worked to ensure that children and young people were supported and their needs met as far as possible within the restriction imposed by lockdown. Throughout the crisis the need to respect children’s rights, listen to their voices and ensure their wellbeing was the driving force. Crisis support services, help phone lines and information sharing were quickly put in place and this helped the community to come together to support all those who needed it most. Going forward we remain vigilant to the needs of children and young people and the need to ensure their rights are respected in the “new normal.” We will use the experiences of the pandemic and determine what we can learn that will enable us to “Build Back Better”. https://sway.office.com/Dw2xKno7aogbLmcL?ref=Link Some of the measures we took: Hub Schools were quickly established to ensure care for the children of key workers and vulnerable children and these worked well throughout lockdown allowing health, social care and other key frontline workers to continue in their posts. A food group was formed that ensured that all children who were entitled to free school meals continued to get food support as did their wider families if necessary. Children were assisted when shielding by multi-agency wraparound support to them and their families. Argyll and Bute continues to be one of three areas in Scotland leading the way in developing a trauma informed workforce. As part of this we have developed and collated a range of easy to use on line learning materials for everyone in the children’s services workforce to help support the different groups of staff who come into contact with children and families as part of their job.
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10 Following lockdown our initial focus was on an on line offer – we have developed this and education made it mandatory for all staff as part of recovery plans https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/trauma-informed-practice-training Children and Families Social Workers kept in touch with children and parents by phone and online. On Bute there was additional contact with single parent families and support and signposting to other services took place. Social Workers would engage children online for long periods in order to allow the single parent some respite. Welfare Rights Officers continued to offer online and telephone advice for families anxious about benefit and employment issues. Education and other staff attended online IRD, Child Planning and multi-agency meetings as required. Reviews for Looked After Children took place within timescales with very few exceptions. The Link Officers and Managers in the central education team and members of the Psychological Services Team provided ongoing support to schools around managing risk and assessing the changing and escalating needs of children and families as lockdown progressed. The Family Placement Manager maintained contact with children and young people in residential placements out with Argyll and Bute and ensured that their needs were met. There was ongoing communication between the Lead for Care Experienced Children and the Named Persons of external education / placement providers. She also contacted all schools where the Lead Professional is from another authority to ensure that there was been continuity of contact and support. The Education Team and partner agencies worked to ensure the safety and protection of our children, to offer and provide support to families and to continue effective multi-agency safeguarding work within the GIRFEC Practice Model, taking account of the increased risk factors associated with the COVID- 19 lockdown. During the week prior to the school closures Education staff completed work to collate social stories to share with children about COVID 19 and the school closures, then shared with parents as appropriate to reinforce positive messages at home. In week one (27.3.20) and prior to the first weekend under lockdown, Education Staff worked closely with the Lead Officer Child Protection and the Interagency
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11 Training Co-ordinator to ensure that all children and families were sent Child Protection information and sources of support. In this week (25.3.20), the document Assessing and Supporting Vulnerable Pupils was also released to education settings with clarification of our Staged Intervention, Single Workforce Planning approach. Looked After and Care Experienced Children and Young People were part of priority consideration in this process. This approach included measures for continuing to support pupils during the Easter Break. It also ensured that the risk of digital poverty was fully considered when assessing how to keep pupils and families “visible” and acknowledged the need to avoid over-reliance on online engagement. In week two (2.4.20) Schools were contacted, informed and updated on Child Protection Procedures and asked to re-share information with children and families ahead of the holidays. In week five (after the two week break), update and comprehensive guidance was issued to education settings on how we continue to fulfil our statutory safeguarding and Child Protection duties and ensure that all children, young people and families in our community remain visible and supported. (Appendices 5 and 6 and video summary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oSEDRe-HVM&feature=youtu.be The Education Lead for Looked After Children created a bespoke web page of resources and communicated with parents and carers via weekly videos: Creating a support website and weekly video updates for parents and carers: https://sites.google.com/ab.glow.scot/carexeperiencedlearners/home Multiagency online support meetings for Foster Carers and Adopters were arranged by the Family Placement Team (24.6.20 and 5.8.20). The Education Lead for Looked After Children offered financial support for the purchase of devices through the Care Experienced fund (in line with Scottish Government approval to re-allocate funds to address risks associated with lockdown). The Digital Inclusion Project worked across Argyll and Bute to obtain, repair and distribute smart phones, laptops and other devices to those without these resources. A bank of resource materials were added to the resource hub - attached to Our Children Their Mental Health, related to COVID 19 for young people, parents or professionals. https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/mental_health_resources_updated_april_2020.p df
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12 Multi-agency work to support children and families with any well-being needs at home and in HUB schools including enhanced risk assessment processes continued as required throughout the school closure period. Guidance was issued to schools about ensuring that communication with the Named Person for each child (or contingency replacement) is possible as required by families, children and young people and staff from other agencies. On 24.4.20, specific guidance was issued by the Education Lead for Looked After Children around the way that schools approached estimates for their care experienced learners in light of the COVID-19 situation. This guidance was seen as good practice by education Scotland. Newly appointed Looked After Health and Wellbeing Liaison Officers worked through lockdown and the summer holidays to support families with Care Experienced Children, initially using technology and then face to face as lockdown easing and COVID risk assessment allowed. Examples of current Practice in Argyll and Bute that reflect the UNCRC Cluster 1: General Measures of Implementation: 1. List of some key policies where children’s rights are taken into account in terms of resource allocation. • Children and Young People’s Services Plan 2020 - 2023. • Argyll and Bute’s Outcome Improvement Plan 2013 – 2023. • Education Service Plan 2020 - 2023. • Argyll and Bute Year of Young People Plan 2018. • Community Learning &Development Strategic Partnership Plan 2018 – 2021 • Community Learning Service Plan 2019 – 2020 (Article 4)
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13 2. Our principles and vision is enshrined in the work of our Community Planning Partnership and states: Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership is committed to promoting equality Key Principles: • No-one is disadvantaged because of their race or ethnic origin, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion and belief; • The differences between people are valued and good relations between groups are promoted; • People are treated fairly and with equal respect; • Informed assessments are made on the impact of policies and services; • People are involved in the decisions that affect them and encouraged to participate in public life. (Article 4) 3. Our Local Outcome Improvement Plan (2013 - 2023) states that we believe children and young people have a right to the best possible education and health care. • The economy is diverse and thriving. • We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. • Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all. • Children and young people have the best possible start. • People live active, healthier and independent lives. • People live in safer and stronger communities. (Article 4) 4. The Council carries out Equality and Socio-impact assessments when conducting policy change / service reviews etc. This is to that issues such as discrimination, disadvantage and impact are considered. They also help to ensure that consultation with stakeholders, including children and young people, takes place. Early Learning and Childcare establishments adhere to the Health and Social Care Standards and are inspected regularly on these by Care Inspectorate inspectors. https://www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/inspection-reports Primary and Secondary establishments adhere to General Teaching Council for Scotland standards for registration and teachers exemplify the values of Social Justice, Integrity, Trust and Respect and Professional Commitment.
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14 http://www.gtcs.org.uk/web/FILES/the-standards/standards-for-registration-1212.pdf (Article 4) 5. All of our staff in the HSCP are properly registered and Police checked and must comply with national standards. They receive supervision and guidance from trained and experienced Managers. (Article 4) 6. Our services are well managed and are subject to Care Inspection; children’s services were inspected in 2018 – 2019. (Article 4) 7. Education Service Plan (Our Children, Their Future) development included focus groups of young people across Argyll and Bute. The Community Learning Service supported these groups as well as pulling together Youth Representatives from local Youth Forums and Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament to help develop a youth friendly version of the plan. (Article 4) 8. Equity based approach to allocation of support to children with additional support needs and protected characteristics. Dedicated care experienced lead within education to ensure the needs of this vulnerable group are accurately assessed and addressed. (Article 4) Cluster 2. General Principles of UNCRC 1. Argyll and Bute’s LGBTQ+ network Argyll and Bute’s LGBTQ+ network was set up in 2019, holding its first meeting on 19th March, 2019. From the outset, the group comprised representatives from education services and Community Learning and Development, Skills Development Scotland, NHS Highland, Argyll College/UHI, representatives from Mid Argyll Youth Parliament, Waverley Care and Third Sector agencies such as Mid Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS) and The Youth Café, Campbeltown. It was considered vital that children and young people be central to the group. LGBTQ+ youth groups were consulted on what they would look for in the network Their views included:
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15 A safe space to interact with other young people; Resources to support them; Opportunities to take part in equalities activism; and Community links with other local authorities. (Hermitage Academy Sage group) Those children who were consulted had also talked about the challenges that they had experienced in rural communities and the risk of mental health issues and discrimination were highlighted. It was agreed that as well as considering training opportunities, the group should support schools through educational resources to help embed LGBTQ+-inclusive policy and curriculum and to this end a guideline highlighting key policies and resources on LGBTQ+ inclusive education was issued to schools. Resources are also updated on Argyll and Bute’s SALi and information on updates are publicised to schools on a regular basis. Events and Training: The Oban Pride that took place on Saturday, 18th May, 2019, was significant in that it was the first opportunity that an organised pride event for school-aged young people had taken place. In honour of Pride Month on Friday, 21st June, 2019, Tarbert Academy held a Pride Event which was organised by S3 pupils and was well supported by partner agencies and by the local community in Tarbert. On 12th September, 2019 the LGBTQ+ Network organised a Getting it Right For LGBTQ+ children and young people in Argyll and Bute Conference. The Conference was well attended by primary and secondary school staff, health and social care, Skills Development Scotland, Police Scotland and Third Sector. On Purple Friday, 28th February, 2020 the Network organised a learning event for pupils in S1 to S3. The event took place in Mid-Argyll Community Centre and in the MAYDS centre. The aim of the day was to provide a fantastic opportunity for schools and partners to celebrate diversity in our schools and communities; promote equality and positive relationships; and to help LGBTQ+ children, young people, their families and allies to feel that they are supported and included. Stonewall Scotland delivered a workshop on LGBTQ+ awareness to a multi- agency audience of Argyll and Bute professionals on Monday, 24th August 2020 via Skype. The training was very well attended and raised awareness of current research on the experiences of LGBTQ+ children and young people and key terminology.
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16 Next Steps: In January, 2020 it was confirmed that Argyll and Bute were awarded funding for our Rainbow Project, which aims to create an outreach programme to support children and young people, school staff and parents to increase LGBTQ+ inclusion. This will build on some of the work being carried out by Claire Brown and Phill Dexter on Police Scotland Choices for Life programme and will form a key part of our work next session. Phill Dexter, our Outreach Worker, will be liaising with schools throughout the year. A key aspect of our 2020-21 strategy is to take our training and awareness to the heart of Argyll and Bute Council. Unfortunately, due to the Covid19 crisis, the Purple Pride Ball for young people aged 14-18 planned for June, 2020 could not take place. However we hope that we will be able to return to our plans for this sometime next year. We also intend to set up our Rainbow Project twitter and Facebook page so that our visibility, and critically that of LGBTQ+ children and young people, is enhanced throughout Argyll and Bute. Article 2 1. States Parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the present Convention to each child within their jurisdiction without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child’s or his or her parent’s or legal guardian’s race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the status, activities, expressed opinions, or beliefs of the child’s parents, legal guardians, or family members.
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17 2. Argyll and Bute Council’s Vision ‘Realising our Potential Together’ is underpinned by 4 key values: • We involve and listen to our customers and communities; • We take pride in delivering best value services; • We are open, honest, fair and inclusive, and • We respect and value everyone. (Article 2) 3. Argyll and Bute Autism Strategy: In 2014 Argyll and Bute published its Strategy for Autism; this was followed up in 2016 with the Autism Implementation Plan 2016 – 2021; this was based on the four strategic Outcomes of: a healthy life, choice and control, independence and active citizenship. In January 2020 a progress report on the implementation of the strategy was produced. The progress report noted the multi-agency nature of the Autism Strategy Group, including Paediatricians, Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Area Principal Teachers, Education Support Officers, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and third sector organisations. https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/autism-argyll-and-bute Over the last three years, services for children and young people across Education and the Health and Social Care Partnership have had a sustained focus on improving outcomes for children, young people and families affected by autism, in line with outcomes within the local Autism Strategy and taking in to account the outcomes and priorities for 2018 – 21 from the Scottish Strategy for Autism. In Argyll and Bute it is felt that it is important to ensure the rights of children and young people with symptoms of autism and to support them and their families in achieving:
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18 A Healthy Life: Over the last three years, diagnostic teams have continued to operate effectively across Argyll and Bute, despite no additional resourcing, to ensure that the process of assessment and diagnosis takes place as close to the child’s home and school as possible. Waiting times have gone up but in all cases, at least one professionals will have had direct contact with the child or young person and their family prior to the assessment or diagnostic discussion. In most cases, members of the diagnostic team will have ongoing contact with the child and family following the diagnostic process, for example, as educational psychologist or education support officer for the child’s school or through providing ongoing guidance around speech and language therapy or health needs. We have worked collaboratively with Scottish Autism to develop training and support materials that are relevant and up to date and available to staff across services. This includes access to the Right Click materials for parents. Scottish Autism also funds Get Set for Autism, a third sector provider offering information and support for families post diagnosis. This service has been invaluable in supporting families and can provide up to six face to face sessions with an experienced professional directed at addressing individual needs and concerns. In all cases where a diagnosis is given, parents or carers are immediately offered this service. Feedback is very positive and the service is currently being formally evaluated There is a growing awareness of apparent levels of increased anxiety being experienced by children and young people on the autism spectrum. As a result there is active engagement with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the Educational Psychology Service to explore the most effective, sustainable approaches to addressing these needs that will also fit within the range of approaches already in place to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of all children and young people. Choice and Control: We have worked to expand the membership of the multiagency autism assessment teams providing high quality training delivered in house to build skill and confidence in recognising, assessing and supporting children and young people with autism based on a clear understanding of the ways in which autism impacts on a young person’s life. Members of the autism assessment teams deliver bespoke training in educational establishment to develop an understanding of autism in general as well as to ensure the delivery of appropriate support to meet individual need.
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19 The Looked after Child Lead in Education works with local autism assessment teams to ensure the needs of children are met within local schools and communities. Independence: The processes of assessment and support for autism are embedded within Argyll and Bute’s well established, multiagency GIRFEC practice model which is strength based and builds on the strengths, skills and abilities of each child or young person. Active Citizenship: We have worked closely with the Association for Real Change (ARC), who were responsible for producing the Principles of Good Transition 3, to review our transitions pathways and practice for young people with a disability including those on the autism spectrum. We have also collaborated with ARC to provide feedback on the newly developed Principles in to Practice document which is being rolled out nationally. (Articles 2, 6, 12) 4. When planning the outcomes to be achieved through Pupil Equity Fund, Head Teachers consulted with children and young people, parents and staff. (Articles 3, 12) 5. Argyll and Bute Early Learning and Child Care Group – consulted with 577 parents / carers in 2017 on the expansion of ELC. A ‘Parenting and Family Support Strategy’ was completed in partnership with Health. Argyll and Bute has committed to a service level agreement with UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools Programme for the 2019-20 session. All Head Teachers received an input session from RRS and the level of participating schools increased from 14 engaged schools in February 2019 to 33 in June 2020 (Articles 3, 12) 6. The Changing Lives Initiative (CLI) is a cross boarder project with Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland and was launched in Argyll and Bute in June 2018. The CLI was developed to inform and support parents of young children displaying behaviour consistent with ADHD through the use of the Incredible Years (IY) parenting programme. 22 practitioners from Argyll and Bute HSCP and Early Years Education work alongside the parenting co-ordinator and project psychologist to deliver parent and staff awareness sessions on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the IY programme. This has resulted in a formal parenting programme now being accessible to parents across all areas of Argyll and Bute including the islands of Mull and Bute. An App compliments the initiative and is ideal for reaching the smaller
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20 islands and the more remote and rural areas if the county. CLI works alongside existing parenting programmes including the Psychology of Positive Parenting (POPP) and Mellow Parenting. (Article 3, 6, 12) 7. Within Argyll and Bute Education Service we will equip young people to secure and sustain positive destinations and achieve success in life through our priority actions: • Equip children and young people with skills for learning, life and work; • Promote enterprise and entrepreneurship, and • Support lifelong learning. (Article 6) 8. Small group pilots for disengaged young people were run in Campbeltown, Dunoon, Oban, Helensburgh and Lochgilphead engaging with 18 socially isolated and disenfranchised young people. (Articles 3, 6, 12) 9. Development of a multi-agency team which undertook training through Children In Scotland on the use of Model for Improvement to progress children and young people’s strategic engagement. Formation of an advisory group of young people to develop a participation model to inform the Children and Young People’s Services Plan 2023-26 has been initiated. (Articles 3, 12) 10. Consultation with School Councils took place when Argyll and Bute was developing its Child Poverty Action Plan in 2019. This is intended to be an annual process as the plan moves forward and is reviewed. (Articles 3, 12) 11. Engaging with UNICEF to promote the Rights Respecting Schools award scheme across schools in Argyll and Bute. The Education Service has continued with its Service Level Agreement with UNICEF as part of collaborative work through the Northern Alliance. This entitles schools all of our schools to support and accreditation visits at no cost; the only cost for schools is initial registration. The Authority Strategic Lead has continued undertake training and development activities with the UNICEF lead and been a joint assessor for 3 Silver visits as well as a lead assessor for Bronze accreditation. The Authority Strategic Lead has delivered Bronze to Silver workshops at both school and cluster level and, most recently, online as a response to COVID-19 lockdown.
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21 The Authority Strategic Lead has worked in collaboration with the Early Years Team to deliver training to EY practitioners around rights- based approaches. The Authority Lead sits on the steering group for statutory Children's Rights Reporting. Increased engagement of schools in the programme - total of 33 schools (up from 17 last year); 14 registered, 14 at Bronze and 5 at Silver. Increased evidence of the language of Children's Rights in school improvement plans and other planning documents. Education activity is reported within the draft statutory Argyll and Bute report on Children's Rights Activity. Training delivered on 2.10.19, 14.2.20, 10.3.20, 3.4.20 and 3.4.20 (the latter was online due to COVID-19). The RRSA journey involves stakeholder engagement questionnaires as part of the inbuilt impact assessment so progress in terms of awareness and engagement is measured as part of the process. (Article 4) 12. In the Review of the CARO Service in 2018, children, young people, parents and Carers were consulted and their views respected in the review and also used for training purposes in order to improve services. (Article 3, 12) 13. HSCP Annual Performance Report 2018 / 2019: demonstrates a clear focus on children and young people’s rights and the need to listen to them and their parents and carers: “We are working hard to actively listen to patients, carers and service users, as their feedback is essential to drive improvement and are pleased to see our engagement processes strengthened to achieve this.” (3) (Article 3, 4, 12) 14. Aligned to national requirements, there is a single point of contact for all complaints made to the Argyll and Bute HSCP. Each complaint is reviewed in terms of content and complexity and handled in line with Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and Integration Joint Board Complaints Handling Procedure. The right to complain is explained in a child / young person friendly manner in all work with children and young people. For example in and before Looked After Child / Looked After and Accommodated Child reviews, Children’s Hearings, in residential settings, in Child Protection Case conferences. Complaints are dealt with in an open and objective manner and children and young people have access to independent advocacy support if they want this, via Whocares? Scotland (For care experienced children and young people) and an independent advocate for child protection and other areas. (Articles 2, 3, 12)
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22 15. The Argyll and Bute Corporate Parenting Plan 2018 – 2021: This places stress on the rights of children and young people and the Corporate Parenting Board works closely with care experienced children and young people to hear their voice and include them in the planning of services. There are local inclusion groups and plans for a Champions Board. https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/corporate-parenting-board (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12) 16. Children’s Plan meetings ensure that children and young people’s views are listened to and their rights are respected. An auditing process ensures Child’s Plan meetings are of a high standard. (Articles 3, 12) 17. The Through Care and After Care Team work with young care leavers to produce a Pathways Plan that includes their views and helps them to achieve positive outcomes going forward. (Articles 3, 6, 12) 18. Argyll and Bute’s Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 – 2023: Within our new plan the main focus is on promoting children and young people’s wellbeing underpinned by Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) and by adopting preventative approaches dedicated to the needs of children and young people at the earliest possible time. Recognising the importance of children and young people achieving and maintaining good physical and mental health and wellbeing is also paramount. We also want to make sure children’s rights are respected and promoted and are at the centre of what we do. That’s why a big part of this plan will be about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child becoming fully a part of Scots law. We want to make things better for children who are care experienced and for young people who are helping to care for family members. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12) 19. A Social Work file auditing process exists that works to ensure that best practice is taking place and the rights of children have been respected. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12) 20. The Community Learning Service carried out a Community Mapping exercise when developing their Service Plan/Priorities for 2019 engaging with young people through various mediums including questionnaires (paper and online), Focus groups, Youth Forums, street interviews and partner agencies.
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23 (Articles 3, 12) 21. Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament and Youth Forum representatives attend the Community Planning Group and the Community Planning Partnership and to represent local young people views ensuring their voice is heard and influences decision making at these meetings. Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament also participated in the interview process of the New/Current Chief Executive. As well, they took part in focus groups to provide a young person friendly version of the Education service plan 2017 – 2020.In addition they carried out a consultation in 2019 with local young people on Youth Participation/Voice structures (Youth Forums and MSYP roles/functions). They visited other Local Authorities looking at best practice including attendance at the Highland Youth Parliament. They produced a report with recommendations for embedding a rights based model of Youth participation within the Community Learning Service which was presented in January 2020. Work is ongoing to implement these recommendations. (Articles 3, 4, 12) 22. Children and young people are encouraged and supported to participate in all stages of planning, provision and delivery of our services (Article 12). See development of Education Strategy and Vision “Our Children, Their Future” (OCTF). This includes: • Children and young people being an empowered part of School Improvement Planning. • Children and young people having a voice through school’s pupil councils. (Articles 2, 3, 12) Cluster 3. Civil Rights and Freedoms 1. Argyll and Bute Council, Education Service and the Highland Health Board have General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policies which ensure the rights of children and young people. No information is shared in any manner which is not consistent with the Data Protection Act. These policies are enshrined in all policies and guidelines and inform our interactions with third parties. The Council’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy is public facing and can be viewed on the Council’s website; as can the Highland Health Board statement on their web site. https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/Pages/YourRights.aspx https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/data-protection#privacy (Article 16) 2. Information is available in a wide range of settings and formats; including a number of languages including British Sign Language. Interpreters are employed, where
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24 necessary to ensure that children and young people can have their say and understand what is happening to them. Examples of this would include: Children’s Hearings, Court proceedings, Looked after Child reviews, Child Protection Case Conferences and Child’s Plan Meetings. This provision also applies to parents and carers. (Article 17) 3. Children and young people with disabilities and communications difficulties are given practical support to assist them to communicate and express their views within the Child’s Plan process. (Article 2, 3, 12, 17) 4. Television, wifi access and newspapers are available in all three children and young people’s residential houses and in the two school hostels. (Article 17) 5. Argyll and Bute cares about its parks and open spaces and spends £19,569 annually, per 1000 people, on this provision. The Council has a Roads and Amenities Service Plan which is public facing and is reviewed annually. (Article 15) 6. Leaflets and infomercials produced in relation to Children and Young People Service Plan. (Article 17) 7. Cross agency engagement with the Children’s Hearing system to support positive outcomes within the GIRFEC practice model. (Article 2, 3, 12, 16, 17) 8. When children or young people are held in custody or secure accommodation they are supported by children and families and justice workers. Their rights are protected and national standards are adhered to. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12, 37) Cluster 4. Violence against Children 1. Argyll and Bute has a dedicated Care Assessment and Reviewing Services (CARO) which conducts reviews and child protection case conferences. This service and the Children’s Hearing system works to ensure that children and young people are listened to and their rights are respected. They ensure that all methods of managing children’s behaviour and discipline are appropriate and support the needs of children. All
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25 complaints by children and young people are taken seriously and dealt with in a timely fashion. Feedback is always given to the child and their family. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12, 28 (2)) 2. All children and young people’s residential homes and school hostels are subject to inspection and clear guidance is given to staff on the management and guidance of children and young people. Foster care is inspected and managed with each child having a Social Worker and each Carer a Key Worker. Kinship care is reviewed by the CARO team and support is given by the Family Placement Team / Fostering and Adoption Team and quality of care is reviewed. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12, 28 (2), 37 (9a)) 3. Recovery from abuse and trauma is assisted by Guidance Staff in School as well as Primary Mental Health Workers. Argyll and Bute has a supportive Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMH’s) service. Also training is currently taking place to ensure that all staff working with children and young people are trauma informed. Staff have also been trained in the impact of ACE’s on children and young people. (Articles 2, 4, 39) 4. Argyll and Bute Education Service produced its updated Anti-Bullying Policy, based on the principles of Respect for All (2017), in September, 2019. The policy reflected the views of children in primary and secondary schools who were consulted on their opinions and experiences of bullying. Approximately 50 staff across primary and secondary schools took part in the training sessions delivered by respectme in November, 2019 and schools were asked to produce their own policies by June, 2020. To help monitor the effectiveness of anti-bullying and equalities policies in Argyll and Bute, all schools have been asked to record incidents of bullying in SEEMis Bullying and Equalities Module. (Articles 19, 28 (2), 37 (a), 39) Cluster 5. Family Environment and Alternative Care 1. We ensure that younger children have access / are afforded advocacy during processes such as Looked after Child / Looked after and Accommodated Child reviews, Child Protection Case Conferences and Children’s Hearings. We engage with Children 1st for this purpose. (Articles 5, 9, 12, 18, 25) 3. Argyll and Bute has a Corporate Parenting Board and Managers and members receive training on their responsibilities as corporate parents. Managers in agencies such as Education and Health have also received training and understand their role
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26 as corporate parents. Our Corporate Parenting Board engages with care experienced children and young people, respects their rights and listens to their views. There are Participation Groups in place. Argyll and Bute was one of the first areas to take part in the Young Care Inspector Scheme and a Young Care Inspector from Argyll and Bute worked on Care Inspections of children and young people’s residential houses. (Articles 4, 5, 9, 12, 18, 25) 4. Children and young people’s residential houses look to provide a good environment for them, including helping them to achieve their educational and work goals, participate in sporting and cultural activities and retain good family and friendship relationships. The houses have Young People’s Meetings where they can have their say in the house environment and wider issues. (Articles 4, 5, 9, 12, 18, 25, 28 (2)) 5. Support from the Education lead for care experienced children and young people, in schools, is having a significant impact on outcomes. Positive Destinations for Care Experienced Pupils. (Articles 4, 9, 12, 18) 6. We ensure learning from significant case reviews impacts positively on practice. (Articles 2, 4, 12, 37 (9a), 39) 7. All placements of children and young people who are looked after are subject to regular review. Also a robust options appraisal exercise to ensure at the outset, placements are appropriate to need.
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27 (Article 3, 4, 12, 18, 25, 28 (2), 37 (9a)) 8. All Early Years Establishments have copies of the 7 Golden Rules of Participation. (Articles 2, 3, 12) Cluster 6. Basic Health and Welfare 1. Welfare Benefits in Argyll and Bute have developed a system of automated benefits that identifies those who should be receiving free school meals and school clothing grants and ensures that they get these. (Articles 24, 27) 2. Period Poverty: Prior to the covid19 pandemic period products were freely available in schools for pupils who needed them, there was a Lead Officer on this on behalf of Education, but implementation and budget was managed by each head teacher locally. Also prior to covid19, the Council’s Commercial Manager was rolling out the community aspect of this, including provision to young people (and all others) out with schools. The aim was to help improve the reach of reusable products and, as part of that, immediately prior to the pandemic, arrangements had been made for supplies to go to Kintyre Youth Café and Girl Guiding in Helensburgh who were both keen to trial reusable period products for their young people (along with regular supplies). Monies had been earmarked to improve supplies of reusable products. Following the pandemic, the operation was moved online, with pupils and people in communities able to order their own supplies directly from Hey Girls using online form. The online order enables individuals to order standard supplies as well as reusable products to best suit their needs. In addition the website was updated to reflect these changes, and merged all of the information across both projects into one, for consistency: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sanitaryprovision Statutory changes are coming into effect for provision and we will continue to keep abreast of these. This approach will continue for the foreseeable future, but products remain available in schools. (Articles 6, 24, 27) 3. School Nursing Services: "School Nursing services are committed to delivering a service to Argyll and Bute's children and young people focusing on prevention, early intervention and support for our most vulnerable. The overarching focus for School Nursing is outlined in the Scottish Government's document, the key priorities sit under the headings Vulnerable children and families, mental health and wellbeing and risk taking behaviours. School Nursing teams are working in partnership with multi-agency colleagues in order to
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28 prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences and where they have occurred mitigating their short term and long term effects." https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/corporate- report/2018/09/school-nursing-role-integrated-community-nursing-teams-school- nursing-priority/documents/00540611-pdf/00540611- pdf/govscot%3Adocument/00540611.pdf (Articles 24, 25) 4. The Housing Consortium recognises the need to support children and their families affected by homelessness and particular barriers. Argyll and Bute was one of the first Council’s to sign up to The Make a Stand Pledge which has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Women's Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance. By signing up to the Pledge, Argyll and Bute Council has committed to providing specific support for people experiencing domestic abuse. Recent changes to the Housing Policy mean that women fleeing domestic violence do not have to register as homeless but can be put onto general housing waiting list and the housing associations are prioritising domestic abuse cases for housing. (Articles 4, 18, 27, 39) 5. Argyll & Bute, Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2020/21 - 2024/25. Impact Assessments were carried out on Equalities; Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency; Health Inequalities; Child Poverty; Homelessness; Gypsy/Travelers; and Rural & Island impacts. There is a commitment to provide housing that will enable people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible where they are older or affected by disability. In addition the LHS specifies a minimum target of 10% of new build should be purpose designed as specialist provision to suit households with medium to high level particular needs (Articles 4, 18, 27, 39) 6. The Council has developed a more cohesive partnership with the Integrated Health & Social Care body to ensure that the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) process is fully aligned with the health and social care integration agenda and other relevant plans such as the “Keys to Life” strategy for persons with learning disabilities, the Integrated Children’s Services Plan, the refreshed national housing strategy for Older Persons published in August 2018, “Age, Home and Community: the next phase”; and the Fairer Scotland for Disabled People strategy published by the Scottish Government in 2016; among others. (Articles 4, 18, 27, 39)
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29 7. Argyll and Bute Council fully supports the Scottish Government’s commitment to improve the lives of our Gypsy/Traveller communities; and continues to work in partnership with Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA), who own and manage the two official, operational, Travelling Person sites in Argyll and Bute, and other stakeholders to drive forward positive improvements for this client group. (Articles 4, 24, 27) 8. Fuel Poverty is recognised as a major issue in Argyll and Bute, the Council works with ALIenergy (fuel poverty charity) and a range of Advice Services to make improvement in this area. (Articles 4, 24, 27) 9. A Community Food Forum has been created which brings together food banks and other food organisations which provide food and other resources when families are in crisis. (Articles 4, 24, 27) 10. Helping children and young people through transitions in their lives is recognised as key to health and wellbeing. This includes in education, through to training, employment and further education. Also with regards to moving on from care and where they may become involved in the Justice system. This will be a key element in the Youth Justice Strategy which is currently being developed. (Articles 4, 5, 6, 18, 24, 27, 37, 39) 11. Educational Psychology has developed a resource called Our Children, Their Mental Health. https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/our-children-their-mental-health To support schools and other staff working with children and young people in addressing mental health wellbeing needs. (Articles 2, 4, 12, 39)
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30 12. The extension of Early Learning and Childcare LC hours to 1140 has continued on target during the covid19 crisis. (Articles 2, 4, 12) 13. Argyll and Bute Council continues to develop strategies both in Education and in the Community to ensure that Scottish Government funding to end period poverty, through the Access to Free Period Product Initiative, has maximum impact. (Articles 6, 24, 27 (1-3)) Cluster 7. Education, Leisure and Culture 1. Argyll and Bute provides education that achieves results for its children and young people that are above the national average in terms of qualifications achieved. Nomis, official labour market figures show that between Jan.2109 – Dec.2019 Argyll and Bute’s population scored more highly in terms of qualifications then both the Scottish and UK average in most respects. Argyll and Bute Level Argyll and Bute % Scotland % Great Britain % NVQ4 and Above 22,300 44.6 45.3 40.3 NVQ3 and Above 31,300 62.6 60.8 58.5 NVQ2 and Above 39,300 78.6 75.6 75.6 NVQ1 and Above 44,400 88.8 83.5 85.6 Other Qualifications 2,00 4.0 6.7 6.7 No Qualifications 3,600 7.2 9.8 7.7 (Articles 4, 28 29, 31) 2. Argyll and Bute is a mixture of town, villages and remote and island places. We provide a high number of small primary schools to meet this need. Also two School Hostels (Dunoon and Oban) in order to facilitate the education and welfare of children and young people from remote and island places. (Articles 4, 28, 29, 31)
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31 3. Live Argyll works to provide children and young people with sports and leisure activities that allow them to participate in a wide range of activities. This includes activities that are specifically aimed at facilitating the involvement of children and young people with disabilities. Another barrier can be poverty which can cause social exclusion. Live Argyll endeavours to counteract this by providing sports equipment, low cost activities, arrangements to assist with transport and activities conducted as locally as possible. (Articles 2, 4, 6, 23, 28, 29, 31) 4. Argyll and Bute Education Services have established an LGBTQ+ Network comprising education staff, children and young people and partner agencies such as the NHS, Police Scotland, SDS (careers), CLD and third sector agencies such as MAYDS to provide support to schools, student groups and individual children and young people, to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ inclusion, and to provide training, resources and support in social and emotional wellbeing. Funding has been achieved through Awards For All for outreach work and guidance is available to the group through Stonewall Scotland’s Champions scheme, of which Argyll and Bute is a member. (Articles 28, 29, 30, 31) 5. Argyll and Bute seeks to provide outdoor nursery provision, for example the Silver Birch Outdoor Nursery, planned to open in August 2020. Stramash also operates an outdoor in the Oban area. (Articles 18, 27, 28, 29, 31) 6. A number of measures are in place in our schools to ensure that discrimination does not take place. For example policy states that a young person in care cannot be excluded without notification to the Head of Children and Families Social Work Services and discussion taking place. There is an anti-bullying programme in place in all schools. (Articles 4, 3, 12, 18, 28, 29) 7. The 3 assets approach is in place in Early Years. https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ab/public/sali/uploads/sites/1389/2016/12/0416010 0/ELC-Three-Assets-May-2019.pdf (Articles 3, 12, 28, 29) Cluster 8. Special Protection Measures 1. On the Isle of Bute the Syrian Resettlement Team works in a multiagency way to support Syrian children and families; the team includes Social Care, Health and third
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32 sector partners like The Bute Advice Centre. Clear success of the resettlement programme on Bute for many children and young people. (Articles 4, 22, 24, 27, 28, 39) 2. Schools in Argyll and Bute provide Interpreters and other support services where required by Migrants and asylum seekers. (Articles 4, 12, 17, 18, 22, 27) 3. ADP services run programmes and one to one support for children, young people and their families who are experiencing drug misuse issues. This is also recognised as a child protection issue and guidance is in place, see Practitioners guide to working with Children and young people affected by parental substance misuse (GOPR Protocol). Practitioners guide to working with Children and young people affected by parental substance misuse (GOPR Protocol ) (Articles 4, 12, 18, 33, 24, 39) 4. Argyll and Bute has a child sexual exploitation strategy and key workers in child protection, children’s services, education and residential care have received training in this area. See Multi Agency Practice Guidance Child Sexual Exploitation Multi Agency Practice Guidance Child Sexual Exploitation (Articles 4, 18, 33, 34, 37, 39) 5. An Early Effective Intervention (EEI) system is in place in order to divert children and Young people from involvement in the justice system. (Articles 4, 18, 33, 34, 37, 40) 6. A Community Justice Implementation Group is in place to ensure best possible outcomes for children, young people and adults involved with the justice system or who have parents who are involved. (Articles 4, 18, 33, 34, 37, 40) 7. Reviews in custody for young people take place and the Practice Guidance: Custody of Children and Young People Convicted on Indictment under Section 205(2) or Section 208 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, are adhered to. (Articles 4, 18, 37, 40) 8. We have a strong GIRFEC practice model. The GIRFEC Collective Leadership Programme is in place in Argyll and Bute. (Articles 4, 5, 12, 17, 18, 33, 34, 37, 39)
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33 Key Actions Going Forward Action Plan / Strategy linked to Who action is carried out by How impact has / will be assessed Timescale for action Ensure that Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments are carried out, where relevant, in relation to new policies, plans and strategies. Children’s Rights Plan 2020 – 2023; Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 – 2023; Fairer Scotland Duty: Equality Act 2010. Island Scotland Act 2018 Council and partners. Review of numbers and impacts of CRWA’s on an annual basis. Feedback from the children / young people and the public on published assessments. Annually in December Young Peoples Advisory Group is created. It will work to ensure that children and young people are actively engaged and involved in the development of future services. Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Argyll & Bute’s Children Strategic Group Group is formed; feedback from children and young people; Individual service planning reflects actions arising from feedback from children and young people 2023 The multi-agency focus across schools and communities for children and young people will ensure maximum impact in key areas such as; good mental health and wellbeing, personal skills, leadership, team Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Education; HSCP; Third Sector; SDS. Feedback from children and young people. Improvements noted in the key areas noted. By 01/12/202 2
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34 building and communication. Ensure that young people are able to have their voices heard at Integration Joint Board and Community Planning Partnership through the involvement of representatives such as School Pupil Councils, MSYPs and Youth Forums Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 HSCP; Education. Argyll and Bute Council. Evidence of key issues being discussed at School Pupil Councils etc. Evidence of IJB engaging with children and young people and listening to their views. Findings from the SALSUS Survey will ensure partners respond to the voices of children and young people By 01/12/202 1 Multi-agency awareness training with regards to understanding and applying the UNCRC Children’s Rights Plan Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 HSCP; Education; Third Sector; SCRA; Argyll and Bute Council staff and elected members Evidence of training having taken place for key staff groups / Councillors / Panel Members etc. Commenc ed by 01/12/202 1 The findings of the Independent Care Review are taken forward within a multiagency approach. The findings of the Independent Care Review are embedded in practice across the partnership Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Multi- agency led by Children Strategic Group The lives of care experienced children are improved. Evidenced by the Five foundations of the promise being kept. Also feedback from children and young people. By 01/12/202 2 Develop a multiagency Youth Argyll and Bute Youth Multi- agency but Youth Justice National By
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35 Justice Strategy that meets the needs of children and young people and takes account of their views. Justice Strategy 2020 – 2023. National standards for Scotland’s Youth Justice Services 2002. led by Head of Justice Services. Standards are met; Feedback from children and young people. 01/07/202 1 Children and Families Transformation Board to ensure that consultation with children and young people is considered in relation to every project. Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Head of Children’s Services. Project Initiation Documents / Business case / Engagement Specifications reflect that consultation has been considered / taken place. 01/01202 1 Ensure that children and young people are taught about their rights and the broader human rights agenda in Schools. Look at the number and level of RRS and how this grows year on year. Education Service Plan 2017 - 2020 Head of Education Service Evidence of teaching and information sharing. Feedback from children and young people. From 1/09/2020 Look at supporting children with a parent in custody. Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Community Justice Implementat ion Group. Agreed multi- agency guidelines. Feedback from parents and children. By December 2020 Further develop the automated benefits approach, ensuring that more children receive free school meals and uniform grants. Benefits Team Benefits Manager Percentage increase year on year of families receiving these benefits. Ongoing Ensure that the Local Child Poverty Action Argyll and Bute Local Lead for Child Report is accepted by November 2020
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36 Report reflects the rights of children, as specified in the UNCRC. Child Poverty Action Report 2019 Poverty Action Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council. Feedback from children and young people (reviewed annually). Look at what facilities and opportunities exist to encourage the health and wellbeing of children and young people, for example free sports passes / Live Argyll / Libraries etc. Ensure equal access to these. Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Head of Children’s Services Feedback from children and young people. Evidence of usage. April 2021
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37 Addendum 1 Key Documents and Plans: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. https://downloads.unicef.org.uk/wp- content/uploads/2010/05/UNCRC_united_nations_convention_on_the_rights_of_the _child.pdf?_ga=2.174658018.1999023234.1593702630-61273816.1593702630 The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; in child friendly language https://sites.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2014/8/contents/enacted SHANARRI Practitioner Resources https://www.gov.scot/publications/shanarri/ Argyll and Bute; Corporate Plan; 2018 - 2022 http://intranet.argyll- bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/corporate_plan_2018_181119_v2.pdf Argyll and Bute’s Children and Young People’s Services Plan 2017 – 2020 https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/cyspsm_from_site.pdf Argyll and Bute’s Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020-2023 Argyll and Bute: Education Annual Plan 2019/20 and 2018/19 Progress Report https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s140351/Education%20Annual%20Plan%20and %20Progress%20Report%20201920.pdf Argyll and Bute Corporate Parenting Plan; April 2018 – March 2021
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38 https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/cpp_v3_screen_version_1.pdf Argyll and Bute Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2019/20 - 2023/24 https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s133067/ABC%20SHIP%202019.20- 23.24%20approved%20draft%2023.10.18.pdf
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39 Addendum 2 History of Human Rights Legislation The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the foundation for international human rights law. It was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948 to provide common human rights standards for all peoples and nations in a post-war world. From this arose nine core international human rights instruments or treaties, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).The UNCRC duplicates some of the rights found in other international instruments. This is because the UNCRC affirms and articulates the significance of these rights for children and young people. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child monitors the implementation of the UNCRC. The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) -drafted by the Council of Europe in 1950 and in force from 1953 -was the first regional agreement for the protection of human rights. The primary focus of the ECHR is on political and civil rights. This is complemented by the European Social Charter which sets out economic, social and cultural rights -what the Council of Europe calls ‘the rights of every day’, many of which are of importance to children and young people, including the right to housing, health, education, and legal and social protection. The ECHR has been incorporated into UK domestic law through the Human Rights Act (HRA) 1998.It has been applied in a series of legal cases affecting children and young people, a growing number of which refer to Articles of the UNCRC. There is a reporting cycle for Scottish commitments to the various UN and European human rights monitoring Committees (as part of the UK-wide reports). To inform our human rights approaches, we can seek advice from two public bodies based in Scotland: 1. The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) works on legal, policy and practice issues that affect people’s human rights in Scotland. 2. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in Scotland works closely with the SHRC. (Introducing CRWA; Scottish Government; Feb.2019) All children have the same human rights as adults but only the UNCRC articulates these rights within the framework of children’s lives and experiences. All Scottish Ministers have a duty to: Keep under consideration whether there are any steps which they could take to give better or further effect to the requirements of the UNCRC; and, if they consider it appropriate, to take those steps under s.1(1) of the 2014 Act. Take such account as they consider appropriate of any relevant views of children of which they are aware under s.1 (2) of the 2014 Act. Promote public awareness and understanding of the rights of children under s.1 (3) of the 2014 Act. Public bodies such as Local Authorities and Health Boards have a duty to:
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40 Report back every three years on the steps each has taken to secure better or further effect of UNCRC requirements under s.2 and Schedule 1 of the 2014 Act. Eight child wellbeing indicators set out in s.96 of the 2014 Act – Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, Included (sometimes known by the acronym SHANARRI) – support the implementation of children’s rights in practice. (Getting it Right in Policy and Legislation; Children’s Rights Legislation in Scotland, a Quick Reference Guide. The Scottish Government; Feb.2019.)