Essential reading for Scotland’s children’s sector December 2017 - January 2018 Issue 183

Is this the year we end period poverty in Scotland? Page 18 Save the date

Going viral Body talk Balancing act We talk to Scotland’s Why image-anxious Tackling gender Chief Medical Officer children need support bias in our schools Page 8 page 28 Page 34 Children in Scotland Level 1, Rosebery House 9 Haymarket Terrace Welcome... Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ ...to the winer issue of girls are essentially being penalised because Telephone: 0131 313 2322 [email protected] Children in Scotland of biology (page 18). There are also some childreninscotland.org.uk Magazine! worrying trends to address as we move forward

We see the Editorial into the new year. When we are trying to ensure Editor:Jennifer Drummond This past year it’s been our young people are capable, confident potential in Editorial staff: encouraging to see individuals, secure in who they are, it is Chris Small, Lynn Gilmour, the fight for equality Nicola Pay (Membership) concerning to hear about the rise of the image- all children. creep up the political conscious pre-teen (Comment, page 28). Design Jennifer Drummond and public agenda. Template: Alan Tait Thanks to those who This issue looks to highlight some of these Additional Design: @jen_drum Our specialist children and young people’s services Aimée Colley #CiSMagazine work tirelessly to topics; areas in which we are making progress, are designed around children to help them grow, uphold the rights of but there is still work to be done. It should thrive and be all they can be. Cover Design: Alan Tait our youngest citizens, Scots law will soon offer provide some food for thought over the festive We work with children and young people at every Advertising equal protection from assault for children and season, and a marker for where we need to stage of their journey and we support them to Tracy Hope young people, and the minimum age of criminal return to in the new year. T: 0131 313 8829 learn new skills, have new experiences, and live life responsibility should soon be raised in line E: thope@ We have an opportunity in the year ahead. Let’s to the full. childreinscotland.org.uk with UN guidance. There are also new national targets set to address poverty and inequality. make 2018 the year we make a real difference. We acknowledge the Let’s teach our girls and boys what equality – of support of the Scottish Government through the These are milestones we should be proud of – genders, of age, of opportunity – really means Finding out more Children, Young People and but we aren’t finished. and encourage them to fight for it. And let’s Families Early Intervention ensure that we, and others who are in a position If you’d like to know more about our services Fund, managed by The As Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Corra Foundation of power, really listen. or how we can support children and young Catherine Calderwood, tells me in our people please contact: Our vision is that all interview, we haven’t quite got it right in terms Happy children in Scotland have an of prenatal care (page 8), while our lead article holidays, equal chance to flourish. Teresa Thomson, Executive Director looks at the increasing problem of period and happy Chief Executive: poverty. Inroads are being made but, in 2017, reading! on 0845 013 6315. Charity No: SC021621 Jackie Brock

The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the opinions of the editor or Children in Scotland. Contents To contribute to Children Join us in in Scotland Magazine contact Jennifer Drummond, Editor: membership and help T: 0131 313 8823/ E: jdrummond@ change children’s childreninscotland.org.uk Membership Members of Children PAGE 08 PAGE 24 PAGE 36 lives for the better in Scotland receive discounts on publications, training and conferences, plus a range of digital FEATURES | PAGES 8-21 VOICES | PAGES 31-37 communications. Children in Scotland is the largest multi-disciplinary network in For information on Chief Medical Officer, Dr Catherine Parent Network Scotland’s Chief Executive joining contact: Scotland dedicated to improving children’s lives. T:0131 313 8829, Calderwood reflects on children’s tells us about their support network (page E: membership@ healthcare (page 8), Alison Gough shares 31) whilst Evie, aged 8, reports from our childreninscotland.org.uk the voices of young people in secure care annual conference (page 33). We find Our members span policy, practice and research in all areas relating W:childreninscotland.org. uk/join. (page 14), and women’s rights organisation, out how Skills Development Scotland is to children, young people and families. Engender, highlight the issue of period addressing gender bias (page 34) and how Subscriptions poverty in Scotland (page 18). music is helping empower young people Children in Scotland Each contributes uniquely valuable knowledge, skills, experience, Magazine is published with additional needs (page 36). bi-monthly, free for passion and dedication. members. If you would like to subscribe, contact AGENDA | PAGES 23-30 REGULARS | PAGES 5,13,38 jdrummond@ Together we can make a difference to children’s lives. childreninscotland.org.uk Jackie Brock warns Scots law needs to keep Catch up on all the latest news from the pace with changing evidence and attitudes Children in Scotland sector (page 5), find out about our fantastic Magazine is published by (page 23), Sheila Riddell asks if progress with forthcoming event on inclusion for LGBT Children in Scotland and ASN appears better on paper than in reality young people (page 4) and get to know our printed by Ink on Paper. (page 24) and Amy Woodhouse champions staff on the Tea Break (page 38). Registered charity in a £5 benefit increase (page 26). We hear Find out more: Scotland SCO03527 why emotional resilience is important in our image-fuelled culture (page 28) and Go to page 13 for information on how to childreninsotland.org.uk/join Registered company the dangers of perpetuating myths about subscribe to the magazine. number 83383 alcohol in pregnancy (page 30) ISSN 1474-9424

December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 3 NEWS NEWS Key stories from across In partnership with the sector

An equal future? Scotland’s next steps for including LGBT children and young people Child safety ‘depends on you’, Thursday 1 February, 2018 Edinburgh says Rochdale whistleblower

ara Rowbotham, who alerted authorities to With a shared belief that all children and young people deserve to grow, learn and develop in Swidespread child sexual exploitation (CSE) inclusive and supportive environments, free from intolerance and discrimination, Children in in Rochdale, has urged the children’s sector Scotland, in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland, is pleased to host this conference focused on workforce in Scotland to examine whistleblowing inclusion and equality for LGBT children and young people. policies and free speech in the workplace in order to ensure children are well protected. Join us at this one-day event to raise awareness of LGBT equality issues in the children’s sector and to equip practitioners with the skills and understanding they need to improve the lives of lesbian, During a keynote presentation at Children in Scotland’s annual conference in November, Ms gay, bisexual and transgender children. Rowbotham (right) recounted her experience as Rochdale’s crisis intervention team coordinator, where she worked from 2003-2014 trying to Key topics will include: prevent the sexual exploitation of young people.

Asking delegates a series of questions about child protection, policies, leadership and work Shared Gender Addressing culture, Ms Rowbotham said: “Are you in a union? If not, why not? Does your union or organisation research on identity in homophobic, LGBT and support whistleblowers? Would you change that life in Scotland early years biphobic and mental health word ‘whistleblowers’ to ‘freedom to speak’?” for LGBT and primary transphobic young people years bullying “Freedom to speak is absolutely vital because it makes health and safety in organisations much better and much safer - so ultimately the children will be much better protected,” she said.

Ms Rowbotham, who described herself as allegations that children are being sexually > Read our interview ‘recovering’ from her experiences working exploited in the Govanhill area of Glasgow. with Dr Catherine Book today: Prices with young victims of abuse, urged all those Calderwood Page 8 responsible for children’s safety to look after Last month Scotland’s justice secretary through our website childreninscotland.org.uk, themselves before they look after a child. assured MSPs that allegations that children > Changing Our from Members were being exploited in the area would be World, our young call 0131 313 8828, In a powerful and wide-ranging presentation, £89 fully investigated. people’s advisory or email [email protected] she also focused on the need to be more gender group, discusses the from neutral in the language we use about young Our annual conference, If Not You Then conference Page 33 Non members £109 people and young people’s sexual activity. Who, was held at Murrayfield Stadium in > Watch highlights Edinburgh on 7 and 8 November. from the conference “Promiscuity is a value judgment and we tend in our short film, to only ever use it about girls and gay men,” she Other keynote speakers at the event available at said. included Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Join us in support of the Year of Young People 2018, and help kick off LGBT childreninscotland. Catherine Calderwood, Graham Andre, who org.uk History Month 2018 in Scotland! Ms Rowbotham’s call came a few weeks featured in the BBC series No More Boys before Officers from the National Child and Girls, campaigner Amal Azzudin, and Abuse Investigation Unit began investigating Daily Mile founder Elaine Wylie.

December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 5 NEWS Legal he Children and Young People’s NEWS TCommissiioner for Scotland has said New Council for Gender Equality he may consider legal action if the roll- Overheard... threat he Scottish Government has announced the out of the UK Government’s controversial Children with ASN establishment of a new advisory group on what action over Universal Credit scheme leaves children T is needed to tackle gender inequality. Universal without essentials such as a warm home and hot meals. The Advisory Group on Women and Girls will be chaired suffering impact of cuts Credit by Louise Macdonald OBE, Chief Executive of Young Scot, The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, published with members from the third sector, government and in November, announced measures to he Scottish Government has been challenged on its latest round of budget cuts, with a business – including three women under 20. combat concerns around the scheme TLabour MSP arguing that cuts have left children with additional support needs (ASN) Splash resistant including a £1.5bn investment in delivery. It The Council, which has an initial term of three years, has unsupported in mainstream schools. Autumn in Helsinki, also confirmed removal of the initial seven- a remit to bring attention to the inequality experienced as reported by a Speaking in a Scottish Parliament debate in November, Jackie Baillie MSP, who represents the study visit delegate: day waiting period for processing claims. by women and girls in Scotland today, champion policies west coast town of Dumbarton, said one in seven ASN teaching posts has been cut since 2010 – all-weather suits that make a meaningful difference, and challenge when However, the measure, which brings six despite an increase in the number of children requiring additional support. efficiently distributed progress is slow. to children as young existing payments into one, faces continued Whilst welcoming the publication of new guidance, Ms Baillie, who is the convenor of the as four, enabling hours criticism over waiting times for claimants to Responsible for setting its own agenda, it will be Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on learning disability, has urged the government to of outdoor learning receive payment and the subsequent rise supported by a secretariat provided by the Scottish deal with the root cause of the problem and invest in schools. and confidence- in debt and associated issues such as rent Government. building play with arrears and eviction. “All the evidence shows a lack of resources and funding for schools is having a negative impact peers. Autumn in West Evidence and insight will be gathered and discussions on the education of children with ASN,” she said. “The teachers do a great job, but they need Lothian: police traffic In December, SNP Minister Mike Russell said recorded from all over Scotland with recommendations resources and support.” cones strategically the Scottish Government would be “very for action being shared with the First Minister and her placed around puddles sympathetic” to the Commissioner’s threat cabinet, as well as the general public. This lack of support appears to be being felt acutely within the sectors, with calls to Enquire, in primary school to challenge Universal Credit if it results in the Scottish national advice service for additional support for learning, experiencing a recent playgrounds to prevent The first meeting of the group took place on 6 December. more children in poverty. increase in calls, recording 425 enquiries in the last three months. death by splashing. Anyone worried that > The Improving Gender Balance Scotland project aims the Finnish model may > Chris Ross, Children in Scotland’s to address some of the gender stereotyping experienced When asked about the increase, a Scottish Government spokesperson highlighted investment be taking hold here can Assistant Policy Officer, blogs about the by girls in education. of £88million in schools in the last year, and £120 million of Pupil Equity support in the 2017-18 probably relax. Budget childreninscotland.org.uk Find out more: page 34 financial year. The spokesperson also drew attention to an increase in the number of support staff employed in schools since 2015, Hidden talents and centrally employed staff assisting After our revelation with support for learning. last issue that Bruce Adamson was an extra > Sheilla Riddell discusses children’s in the Lord of the Rings Concern over poverty-related film trilogy, we’ve been rights and the ASN landscape on our inundated with stories comment and opinion pages. about the secret screen Agenda, page 25 lives of other children’s attainment gap measurement sector luminaries. > Enquire’s independent, trained Apparently Save the hildren in Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government consultation on the measurement framework of the advisors are available to give impartial Children’s new Head of CNational Improvement Framework, voicing support for the aims, but warning of concerns to do with assessment. and confidential advice on issues Scotland Mark Ballard relating to the provision of additional can be seen piloting In our response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on attainment measurements and milestones, submitted in support, or realising you or your child’s an x-wing fighter in November, we argued that the means suggested to measure the gap need to be wider than currently proposed, recognising rights. Visit enquire.org.uk, or call the Star Wars Episode III: the role diverse factors, including poverty, play in attainment. helpline: 0345 123 2303 Revenge of the Sith, and former Children’s We noted support for the inclusion of measures across a number of ages, including early years, in recognition that the Commissioner Tam attainment gap is often present before school age but expressed concern about the lack of clarity over the method of Baillie was the voice of 90s ‘claymation’ testing proposed and their appropriateness for such a young age group. new report has revealed that LGBTI people in Scotland favourite Pingu the Majority of are still targets of hate crime. A penguin. Keep ‘em We were particular concerned about the lack of activity regarding input from LGBTI people coming! children and young people themselves, hearing first-hand the barriers young The Scottish LGBTI hate crime report 2017, published by the Equality Network in October, identified that more than 60% people can face. in Scotland Getting personal of lesbian and gay male respondents had been targets of hate We salute the chair Amy Woodhouse, Children in Scotland’s Head of Policy, Participation and Projects ‘experience crime, as had 53% of bisexual respondents. Almost all (90%) of a conference in said: “Children and young people need to be given far more opportunity to feed had experienced hate crime two or more times. Edinburgh who took hate crime’ commitment to into the National Improvement Framework. Children and young people have The report makes a series of recommendations on the right to have their views heard under the UNCRC. The Framework will have strengthening the encouraging a better response to hate crime. These include sector to a whole new a significant impact on children and young people and would be richer for the LGBTI specific training for frontline police officers and for level by encouraging inclusion and incorporation of their views.” Procurator Fiscal employees, continued engagement and delegates to “enjoy awareness raising campaigns, and changes to the law on what having intercourse We reiterated our support for using sampling data but opposition to high stakes is classed as a hate crime. with each other”. Most rigorous testing and league tables. still opted for a cup of coffee and a biscuit. > Download the full report at equality-network.org We also called for the government to ensure appropriate and increased resources to implement the National Improvement Frameworks, particularly given the > Find out more about Children in Scotland and LGBT Youth ambition of the targets laid out in the consultation, and noted concerns over Scotland’s February conference, An Equal Future? Scotland’s Shouts or whispers from whether this is achievable in the timeframe outlined. the children’s sector? next steps for including LGBT children and young people Email: overheard@ page 4 childreninscotland.org.uk > Read the full response on our website childreninscotland.org.uk

6 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 7 FEATURES FEATURES Dr Catherine p08 Interviews, Calderwood research & interview Up close and universal Secure care p14 campaigns research

Campaign to end p18 period poverty Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood is a passionate advocate for all-inclusive health services, but also support that meets individual needs. She talks to Jennifer Drummond about intervening early, mental health, and the dangers of ‘over-medication’

ince taking up the role of Scotland’s Chief vantage point she can advocate for the fact that SMedical Officer (CMO) in mid-2015, Dr these first few years provide the foundation Catherine Calderwood hasn’t had it easy. for the child’s life ahead; their progress, their Scotland’s health record regularly receives a ‘could opportunities. do better’ assessment, and annual statistical reports of targets and waiting lists often make “From the point of children’s health, that early the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Budgetary start and those real influences can really make an challenges continue to plague every sector and in impact on a child’s future and future health,” she October, Audit Scotland warned progress in the says. Research consistently demonstrates the health sector was particularly slow. effect experience, environments and relationships can have in terms of both psychological and social But it’s not all bad news. The past few years have development, as well as physical development. seen significant Scottish Government Even within the womb, Dr Calderwood investment in the sector, and a series of explains, a baby’s genetic make-up strategies have been put in place aimed will adapt according to stress in their at improving physical and mental health “Early pre-birth environment. A baby whose and access to treatment. experiences mother is obese, for example, will be five times more likely to have a heart attack Dr Calderwood knows that to make any and in adulthood than a child whose mother real impact on the health of the nation, influences has been of normal weight. we need to start at the beginning. can really She is complimentary about the But research into brain plasticity tells government’s approach, articulating make an us that it is not impossible to reverse warm support for Getting It Right for impact on a the impact of damaging experiences Every Child but making the case for it to child’s future and environments, as Dr Calderwood be extended into the prenatal term. As explains. an obstetrician she is acutely aware of and future the importance of investing in health not health” “From developmental brain studies, just throughout life in terms of keeping we know those babies and particularly people healthy and promoting healthy very early years children have the most behaviour, but also pre-birth – something she potential for changing [the long term outcomes of] believes we haven’t got right yet. the environment they’ve been brought up in and the genetics they’ve been given. You can mould “I think we haven’t quite had a focus on the and really change outcomes with good care, good importance of the health of our pregnant women stimulus and good education when they are one, and importantly the babies that they will be two, three, four or five years old.” having,” she says, highlighting the abundance of research demonstrating the importance of But the ability to undo harm starts to decline investing in parents’ health, as well as the health of around the age of six, she says. So intervening the unborn child. at these early stages is key in combating what she calls ‘toxic stress’ and adverse childhood “We haven’t got a cultural attitude about the experiences (ACEs) such as poverty, abuse and importance of children as much as we should have neglect. and we don’t see the health benefits in investing in the pregnant woman, that that is an investment for Dr Calderwood is passionate about working to that child’s health. That message hasn’t got there negate the long-term impacts of ACEs and is at all.” involved in the new Scottish hub, chaired by Linda de Caestecker of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Still in direct contact with expectant parents and The hub, launched last year, will provide a national families (she runs regular clinics at Edinburgh’s network to recognise progress and champion work Royal Infirmary), Dr Calderwood is in the unique in this area. position of being able to influence policy and report directly from the front line. From this “Our current focus on ACEs is about strengthening

December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 8 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 9 FEATURES existing good practice as well as doing more to we’ve really made an effort to make it useful and FEATURES prevent and further mitigate them, building on the practical. As to the universality of it, people can important learning from experiences of people,” of course decide they don’t want it. They register, she says. The approach complements a range of and you elect to have it.” recent initiatives across Scotland, including the Best Start Grant, Healthy Start vouchers, and the Piloted in Orkney and Clackmannanshire, Scottish Attainment Challenge. approximately 15% of those in the testing group opted not to receive the box. This choice – the While supportive of Scotland’s cross-cutting policy flexibility to choose to accept the box or not – is approach to healthcare, Dr Calderwood also part of its strength, Dr Calderwood believes. observes the “big irony” that health is directly and Adopting an income-based eligibility criteria indirectly impacted by many factors which fall out would therefore go against the fundamental with her realm of influence. intention of the programme.

There is a consensus that a large part of health is “The beauty of it is that we are not stigmatising socially determined, as evidenced in the poorest anyone. Imagine if it was means-tested and then health outcomes for those from the most deprived all the family come round and there is a box there. areas. However, the universalist approach of What a thing that from the first day of a child’s life new initiatives such as the baby box, are, in Dr there was something that was labeling.” Calderwood’s opinion, making a contribution to addressing this. Those who object to the scheme have no credible alternative, she says. “How do the critics think we Scotland’s baby box, based on Finland’s model, should hand them out? Would we ask people their provides expectant parents with a box of goods income? Would we ask how many babies they’ve to help in the first days, weeks and months of a had before? How do we check eligibility, what child’s life. Pregnant mothers sign up through their would we use? If the critics really think about how midwife, and the box is delivered at around 36 else we could have done it, they would see just weeks into the pregnancy. It is not means-tested how damaging a good idea can be.” and is available to all. One of the drivers for introducing the Scottish This year’s roll-out of the baby box has been baby box is the impact the scheme could have met with a mixed response. Many parents and on infant mortality rates. It is hoped they will practitioners have been supportive, but critics help bring down instances of cot death, currently suggest it represents the misdirection of state recorded as 30 per year. With each box containing funds. Dr Calderwood disagrees. a mattress, the intention is that they will bolster the public health message that babies require a Recounting feedback from the pilot project, Dr are difficult to engage in the health and social care “I get to speak to the women who receive them safe place to sleep and raise awareness of the fact Calderwood tentatively suggests that progress has agenda. and they are thrilled, their families are thrilled,” that studies have linked cot death to the use of been made in strengthening understanding of the she says. “The contents are really good quality and second-hand mattresses. need for safe sleeping environments. “It’s about access,” says Dr Calderwood, acknowledging that one size doesn’t always fit “A lot of families, no matter what their income, all. “We have to remember that most of the time would reuse a mattress. With the box we are giving children and young people are very healthy and a brand new mattress, and a lot of the messaging they don’t need to access services, that’s a good that comes with the box really highlights that safe thing of course. If they do need to access services place to sleep. then they have particular needs that we don’t necessarily always recognise.” “We don’t see the health “Again, a lot of people have criticised it and asked ‘what if they already have a cot?’ Well, we found Perhaps that’s changing. “We’ve got a lot better – when it was piloted people were using it at a we now realise that you need to have something grandparent’s house, or somewhere else the baby different for a five-year-old than a 15-year-old, was going to stay, so in fact, the baby probably which seems obvious as a parent, but I’m not sure benefits in investing in the wasn’t sleeping in a safe place in another home. I the health service has always looked at that.” would like to know what the non-universal people say to that. So everybody shouldn’t be offered a Adopting a more personalised approach to safe place to sleep, only poor people?” she asks. medicine is clearly something Dr Calderwood pregnant woman — feels passionate about. Next year will see the This universalist approach is about keeping people publication of her third annual Realistic Medicine healthy from the beginning, not just treating them report. Born out of feedback from practicing when their health is failing. On average, 80% of a colleagues, it is intended to empower health person’s NHS spend happens in the last two years professionals to treat their patients as they would it is an investment for that of their life. like to be treated and allow people to be at the centre of decision-making about their healthcare But changes in attitude to universalism will only needs. come about with the development of a healthcare child’s health” system that is flexible enough to meet the wildly “When I first became CMO I was hearing from varied needs of its people, and with input from the doctors around the country who didn’t like the way general public. This can be particularly problematic they were practicing medicine. They felt they were with regards to children and young people, who often doing things to people that they didn’t think

10 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 11 FEATURES was right. Overworked and stressed, they didn’t time target. She applauds the recognition that FEATURES have the opportunity to discuss with people what investment in mental health is important in terms their priorities were,” she says. of long-term health and wellbeing. But she warns Essential reading for Scotland’s children’s sector December 2017 - January 2018 Issue 183 that the service is in danger of being over-used, to At the same time, Dr Calderwood came across the detriment of those with the most acute needs. research suggesting that when doctors or health professionals themselves became ill, they would “I think we are in danger of doing too much often choose much less aggressive medicine when in fact that’s not the treatment than they were offering their right approach at all. This very loose patients. This was the tipping point; “We've got use of language has got all of society going back to the basics of healthcare talking about people being stressed better at Is this and treating people, not patients, was and needing mental health services. Of the year the answer. realising course stress can be part of significant we end you need mental illness, but we are in danger of period “Realistic medicine is about seeing poverty in something making a whole lot of diagnoses around Scotland? people. It’s about exploring what is something that doesn’t need medical Page 18 important for people to get from their different treatment.” Save healthcare and their treatment.” It’s for a 5-year- important to remember that this isn’t “We need to find the right routes for the date always about a ‘medical fix’. old than a people. I’m not saying that people don’t 15-year-old, need help, but we need to be careful Dr Calderwood is quick to point out which seems and clear about what we are talking that the approach isn’t necessarily about.” something new. Many healthcare obvious as a Going viral Body image Balancing act Dr Catherine Why we need body Tackling gender Calderwood Interview positive messaging bias in schools professionals operate in this way parent, but Dr Calderwood makes clear she’s Page 8 Page 28 Page 34 already as standard. However, it is about the health not suggesting mental health isn’t an empowering professionals to open up a absolute priority. Instead, we should dialogue and talk about all the options service has ensure those who need the services the available – even if in some cases that always most have access to them and are at the Subscribe to means no treatment. looked at front of the queue. Given the current criticism of waiting times, particularly Children in Scotland The response has been “overwhelmingly that” for child and adolescent mental health amazing”. Discussion of realistic services, it’s a particularly relevant medicine has spread to every continent. point. Magazine today Her office stopped monitoring social media reach when Twitter recorded 50 million impressions, and Placing people at the heart of their healthcare continued to climb. The CMO has truly gone viral. provision – the personalisation agenda – is Dr 6 issues for just £15! Calderwood’s core message. She is supportive of a That’s not to say the job is done, though. ‘Over- number of measures in place in Scotland, and the Unique analysis, comment and features medication’, she fears, is an issue in modern society move towards a ‘health in all policies’ approach. – particularly in our treatment of mental health. covering the whole of the children’s sector With increases in problems around stress, anxiety But we need to start at the beginning. In order to – delivered direct to your door. and body image for young women particularly, and make a real difference to the health of the nation we need to keep our expectant mothers healthy, reports of poor mental health as a nation, the issue Members of Children in Scotland will have an understanding of what constitutes good is slowly creeping up the political agenda. However, also have access to the e-version of the quality, appropriate support and treatment, and magazine so you can read it on your laptop, we are at risk of not quite understanding what it is invest in prevention. that we are dealing with, Dr Calderwood feels. iPad or any mobile device, keeping you Who better to get the message across that informed on the go. To get a better understanding of how we approach prevention is better than cure and drive forward and treat the issues, we need to understand the that agenda, than the most senior health distinction between mental health and mental professional in Scotland? wellbeing, she says. > Interview conducted by Jennifer Drummond at Scotland schools’ conference “Mental wellbeing and mental health services Children in Scotland’s annual conference, held at Don’t miss out! Three are very different. Keeping people well and Murrayfield Stadium in November. A sudden and traumatic death in your recognising that their mental wellbeing is not as For more on our annual conference, see news, school community – let’s talk about it easy ways to subscribe: good as it should be is very different from people page 5 with significant diagnosable mental illness, and I This conference is designed to help equip education think we are in danger of thinking that those are > With thanks to Dr Catherine Calderwood professionals with key support skills and improve confidence the same thing.” and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer for childreninscotland.org.uk/cismagazine Scotland when responding to a sudden or traumatic bereavement. That’s not to suggest that Dr Calderwood doesn’t support continued work towards ensuring mental > Photography © Stefano Modica 6 March 2018 Dundee - £45 0131 313 8828 stefanomodica.com health has parity with physical health. She is supportive of all the work that has been done to visit: childbereavementuk.org/conferences [email protected] de-stigmatise discussion of mental health issues > Dr Linda De Caestecker discusses the and points out that Scotland is the first country importance of facts and evidence in prenatal call: 01494 568909 in Europe to have a child and adolescent waiting health Comment, Page 30 email: [email protected] Registered Charity in England and Wales: 1040419 and in Scotland SCO42910

12 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 13 FEATURES FEATURES Protection or punishment?

A recent research project vividly captures the disconnect between the policy intentions behind secure care and what young people who go through it actually experience. Alison Gough reflects on the key messages that have emerged — and the implications for change

ecure care in Scotland is the most containing Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice (CYCJ) Sand intense form of alternative care available. to deliver an independent, analytical, strategic When children are secured, they lose their liberty and practice-focused review of secure care in and have many other freedoms restricted. Scotland. This review was known as the Secure Care National Project. It involved a year-long A very small number of children and young intensive programme of stakeholder engagement people, less than 1% of all who are looked after in and consultation, with young people’s lived alternative care settings, are secured each year and experience and professionals’ practice and working the number of children secured by local authorities experience the central focus. has been on an overall downward trend for several years. Yet the impact is significant for children Key messages and calls for action were presented and their families, with considerable resource to the Scottish Government in June 2016 and implications. summarised in the report Secure Care in Scotland: Looking Ahead (November 2016). Children and young people can be placed in secure

care through the Children’s Hearings System (the Recommendations were directly informed by the Stock image ©Anna Cervinkova CHS) or the Courts. At present close evidence gathered during focused to 90% of young people in secure care conversations with young people at are there through the CHS, rather than Scotland’s five secure care centres. “Voices of However, we had made a commitment to every “At the end of the day some of these staff have because they have been remanded or young person we heard from that we would share genuinely changed my life and changed me for These conversations took place during sentenced by the Courts. children have their accounts with decision makers. The result, good in different ways, they really have.” the school day and young people Secure Care in Scotland: Young People’s Voices, was Regardless of their route, they are almost rarely been were invited to attend on an opt-in published in October 2017. Much of the report is Young adults wanted decision makers to hear that always children who are amongst the basis. Two group conversations were sought or in their own words, highlighting the policy, practice there should be more consistent, compassionate most vulnerable and who may have had held at each secure care centre. One and attitudinal changes that young people said are and psychologically containing continuity of multiple adverse experiences, including heard when explored transitions and the secure necessary. These are summarised below. care on offer, addressing all children’s needs and physical, emotional and sexual abuse, the policy care experience. The other looked helping them make sense of the hurts they have neglect, bullying, exploitation, loss and direction that at mental and emotional health and Supporting vulnerable young people experienced. Secure care or close support should bereavement. wellbeing. We took a ‘you tell us, we leads to the be considered at an earlier point to stabilise those listen’ approach by asking a series Young people in secure care are not a homogenous who are at risk of significant harm and to prevent Secure care is defined as a resource for reshaping of of open questions to encourage group. Among those who spoke to us, there is numerous placement breakdowns. keeping safe and meeting the needs of services and discussion. Of all young people who not a consensus position about whether young these most vulnerable young people. Yet were in secure care between October people who have committed serious offences and They said professionals are too often focused on the voices of those who have experienced interventions 2015 and April 2016, 42% took pose a risk of harm to others should be cared for the impact of behaviours and actions, and not secure care capture the unresolved has been part. There were also two similarly alongside those who have been victims of such enough on the underlying reasons or drivers for tensions and disconnect between policy structured conversations with small offences and harm. behaviours which are difficult for others to live intent, which has shifted exponentially in under groups of young adults who reflected with or pose risks of harm. This results in a lack of recent decades, and the continuing reality review” back on their care journeys. In total, “Secure care is still seen as being for young people identification of early problems, which means that that many young people experience 60 care experienced young people and who are in trouble. I haven’t done anything wrong trauma and early abusive experiences are invisible secure care as a punitive rather than a young adults contributed. but I was in with someone who had set fire to and/or untreated. protective response to their needs. another person. But then I guess that young person At the close of each discussion, the facilitator might have had bad things happen to them. We’re As a consequence the focus moves towards One reason for this may be that the voices of checked with young people that their suggestions blaming young people instead of the adults who’ve the young person’s ‘challenging’ or ‘risk- taking children and young people in secure care have for change and action had been captured hurt them and let them down.” behaviour’. The care and wider systems can rarely been sought or heard when the policy accurately. Following the conversations, all the cause further developmental harm through direction that leads to the reshaping of services recommendations were collated. This enabled There were also mixed views as to the benefits, if compounding early trauma, through multiple and interventions has been under review. young people’s accounts to be presented to any, of secure care. Some believe that the current placements, school exclusions and lack of sector leads at a Secure Care in Scotland: Looking system is inherently unfair. therapeutic treatment. We find ourselves with a unique opportunity to Ahead consultation event in early 2016. The change that. The Scottish Government has made a discussion and outputs from that event in turn “It was depressing coming in. I don’t think young The sense that secure care is a form of commitment to ensure that care experience drives further enhanced evidence and understanding people should be locked up.” punishment was pervasive. Adults in the caring transformational change in our approach to young of stakeholders’ perspectives, aspirations and professions “threatened” the use of secure care in Despite this, many stressed that coming people who are in and on the edges of secure care. anxieties gathered during the Secure Care a way which leaves young people believing that it into secure care had been the right thing for National Project work. In this way, the Secure Care is at best a punitive response to their behaviours Engaging with young people directly them. Some said the help and support they in Scotland: Looking Ahead report was directly and needs, and at worst a form of imprisonment. had experienced in secure care had been In 2015, The Scottish Government commissioned informed and shaped by young people’s current The majority articulated this sense of punishment transformative – others that it had literally saved the Secure Care National Adviser role at the testimonies about secure care. even where they simultaneously described feeling their lives. safe and cared for within secure care.

14 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 15 The impact of admission opportunities like college and work placements to FEATURES prepare young people for the future. The report found that young people should always be informed and prepared for a secure Participation and decision making care placement. They should be given information about their rights, and about what to expect Panel members should listen to young people’s on arrival, before they are taken to a secure views and opinions and not pre-judge the care centre. Each centre should make sure that situation. There should be more training on how they don’t apply a ‘one size fits all’ approach to to listen to young people and look beyond the admission and risk assessment processes. reports to the young person in front of them. Young people should not have to attend frequent Settling in, day to day living and learning children’s hearings, so there should be a review of timescales, orders and how young people are Secure care centres should think carefully about informed about their rights at children’s hearings. the mix of ages and needs so that the group living environment and activity programme is Young people in secure care should be contacted appropriate for everyone. Buddying schemes and and visited by their social worker regularly. They Everything you need, peer support are helpful and more should not experience multiple social could be done to promote these. “Adults in workers. Every centre should have a wide the caring range of programmes such as holistic Social workers and others in decision in one place therapies, cognitive behavioural professions making roles should be open and honest therapy (CBT) and education and ’threatened’ with young people and involve them in all Our range includes thousands of products and a wide range of services; so whether it’s care planning processes. All report writers vocational qualifications to prepare the use of arts and crafts materials, computers, furniture, outdoor play equipment or even things young people for their future. should ensure that they share children’s secure care hearings reports at the earliest stage. The like designing a new dining area or library, we can help you get the best deals around! Workers and agencies should always in a way young person should be contributing and think about the impact of language, as consulted throughout. verbal and written reports too often which leaves emphasise the past and the negatives, young people The lived expertise of secure care rather than focusing on achievements, believing that experienced people can inform strengths and goals. More needs to national and local policy and practice YouYou can ororderder WeWe havehaavve a be done to ensure that young people’s it is at best developments, and improve approaches thethe FULL rangerangange of opinions are always sought and taken a punitive to staff recruitment, training and into account when secure care centres response understanding of secure care centre teams, social workers, panel members are reviewing policies and general to their approaches to practice standards and and other professionals. day to day ‘rules’. Every young person behaviours sshophop witwithinhin our Help and support with moving on should have ready access to children’s and needs” productsproducts directlydirectlectly rrarangeange rights services and information. Throughcare plans should be taken fromfrom us at the young person’s pace. It is very Keeping in touch CreatingCreatingg important that young people are fully prepared beautifultif l There should be better information and consistent and psychologically ready to make the transition llearningearningg enenvironmentsnvviri onments support for families, including practical help to visit from secure care into an open setting and then on young people whilst in secure care. Young people to appropriate independent living arrangements. should not be placed in secure care (especially for Secure services should have integrated InspirationalInspirInspirational throughcare and aftercare supports, including ideaseas forfor long-term placements) outwith their home area ttransformingransfsffoorming unless absolutely necessary or unavoidable. They return space so there is continuity of relationships. yyourour outdoor have a right to keep in touch and have contact with arareasareas The voices of young people remained absolutely relatives and friends and should never be made to central to our work in the Secure Care National feel that this contact is dependent on behaviour. Project, with all recommendations made about Mental and emotional wellbeing future direction and secure care based directly on what we were told by those who engaged with us. Much more needs to be done across universal services, from help and support available to Our recommendations are now being considered parents of babies and young children, through to by the Scottish Government-led Strategic Board, schools and GPs and health services, to ensure established in response to our report. :PVS
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TVQQPSU awareness and understanding of the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences Alison Gough is the Secure Care National Advisor SShonaghhonagh is yyourour YPO ArAreaeaea SalSaleses ManagManagerer based in Scotland, on children’s emotional wellbeing and their with the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice aandnd can prprovideovide yyouou witwithh imparimpartial,tial, experexpertt adadvicevice to help development. 
  
  Secure care should provide psychologically safe, containing and therapeutic care to help young people make sense of the trauma and 0789407894 0930 627 [email protected] hurts they have experienced. Every secure care centre should have a wide range of programmes > To discuss the work of the Secure Care National such as holistic therapies, cognitive behavioural Project, contact [email protected], or therapy, qualifications, and community-based find out more at cycj.org.uk

16 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 that an average woman will use 12,000 tampons unable to afford sanitary products and the barriers FEATURES in a lifetime. At a cost of £2 to £3, plus five this creates for women and girls in Scotland. FEATURES percent VAT, for a packet of 20, a woman will, over her lifetime, spend approximately £5,000 In general, access to sanitary products, let alone When women and girls can’t free products, is poor in Scotland. During this on tampons or other sanitary products. The ability to manage menstruation with dignity is a past summer, Engender hosted a roundtable with privilege reserved for those who can afford it. a small number of specialists and practitioners from the education, homelessness and women’s afford to have their period ‘Period poverty’ is a phrase that has been heard sectors with the purpose of getting an overview frequently in Scotland over the past year, and of what information and evidence currently exists not before time. It refers to the phenomenon of on the scale and nature of period poverty. The women and girls being unable to afford sanitary information shared was insightful, providing a first Understanding of period poverty is slowly growing, but we need to products and therefore being pushed to the glimpse into the scale of the problem in Scotland. ensure better access to sanitary products and the introduction of margins of society, unable to participate fully It was also a rare opportunity to hear how often in public life. The term gained traction after society fails to consider and accommodate women appropriate legislation, write Emma Trotter and Alys Mumford anecdotal evidence of girls missing school while on and girls’ menstruation. It was reported by those their period, and increased requests for tampons working with students that, at one newly built iStockphoto © Ru_foto and towels at foodbanks across the UK. In college, only two tampon dispensers December 2016, The Guardian reported were installed in a ten-floor building, that women living in poverty and women “Access to and that only one was located in student who were homeless were forced to use accommodation. Engender also heard newspapers and socks during their periods. sanitary that women in male-dominated subjects products, (for example engineering) could only Menstrual inequality is not new, which let alone access tampons by walking back to their begs the question, why has it been a halls of residence. While these realities hidden problem for so long? It may sound free are far from the ideal, the situation simplistic, but much of it boils down to products, worsens for women who face multiple the disproportionate over-representation discrimination. Engender’s current of men in decision-making positions. In is poor in project examining disabled women’s Scotland, women make up only 35 per cent Scotland” reproductive journeys has uncovered of Members of the Scottish Parliament and the common practice of failing to install 29 per cent of local councillors. Frankly, if tampon dispensers in accessible toilets, the majority of people making decisions a sign of the complete disregard for the about the distribution of public finances and the health and hygiene needs of disabled women. curriculum in schools are not experiencing a period every month, or do not feel comfortable speaking Insufficient access to sanitary products and, about women and girls’ physiology, how can we therefore, the inability to effectively manage expect inequality in access to sanitary products menstruation, can cause or exacerbate health to be recognised, let alone prioritised? That this and psycho-social issues, particularly among issue is now coming to the fore is testament to low-income women. At the roundtable hosted female politicians who have made it their mission by Engender, women reported increased cases to highlight the issue. It has resulted in bold and of infection due to using inappropriate products. powerful scenes in decision-making chambers, Aside from the avoidable irritation and discomfort, including MP Stella Creasy, refusing to continue a there are also major health implications. Using debate in the House of Commons on the subject inappropriate products, or not changing tampons of the Tampon Tax unless a male politician as often as recommended, also carries with it the could bring himself to say the word ‘tampon’. risk of potentially fatal Toxic Shock Syndrome.

What do we know? Alongside the physical consequences of period poverty are the psychological impacts. Being While inequality of access to sanitary products forced to rely on charity donations for tampons and its consequences are gaining political can cause embarrassment and the possibility traction, a great deal remains unknown about of inappropriate products being provided. the extent of period poverty in Scotland. From Women who experience both heavy and light an early age, girls are taught that menstruation bleeding during a menstrual cycle may need is a discreet subject, a topic that should be two different types of tampons or sanitary discussed in secret amongst other girls and pads, but are only provided with one through women. Students dread the moment a (male) charities. It is a vicious cycle for women and teacher asks them why they are taking their girls who cannot afford to have their period. bag with them to the toilet. From puberty until menopause (and beyond) women brace The situation is particularly stark for women ver the course of their lives, women Menstruation is painful, inconvenient and themselves for ‘time of the month?’ comments. already facing extreme hardships, including Oand girls will face different and greater expensive. More than 20 per cent of women refugee women and women who are homeless. health care needs than men. Women suffer from such severe menstrual cramps But what we do know about period poverty Engender has learned that women run months’ also risk having their healthcare needs each month that it interferes with their daily makes it clear that action is needed. In April worth of the contraceptive pill together, against

unmet if they are not openly discussed. activities. The pain can prevent girls from this year, Women for Independence launched a medical advice, in order to skip their monthly A prime example of this is menstruation. attending school, preclude young women national campaign aimed at seeking views from period. We have also heard from homelessness from participating in university or college girls and women on accessing sanitary products. charities, who shared an account of a woman The stigma around menstruation, and classes, and be a significant barrier to women Four days after launching, the group had 400 rough-sleeping who was unable to accept offers of societal ignorance towards an event that making the commute to work, let alone finding responses. Of those, eight per cent of women tea in a café as remaining seated on the pavement occurs monthly – and in some cases more the stamina to last a full day at the office. and girls reported they had issues with accessing prevented her clothes from getting blood-stained. regularly or sporadically – for women and For the half of the population who sanitary products, and four per cent reported girls, can be traumatic for those who cannot experience menstruation, there are they were unable to access products at all. As While period poverty has predominantly been afford to meet their basic menstrual needs. significant costs involved. It is estimated Women for Independence collates the data, we raised as an issue for women and girls, it bears hope to learn more about the reality of being remembering that there are significant barriers

18 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 19 to trans men and people of non-binary gender Government plans to provide free sanitary facing violence, who may all have difficulty FEATURES accessing sanitary products without stigma. products in schools. It is an encouraging accessing these essential healthcare products. However, there is little research to date on their development that has received positive experiences of period poverty. feedback. One young woman at college More research is needed to gain a fuller picture in the south of Scotland, which is one of of levels of access to menstruation products What’s happening about this? “We the few places to already provide free around the country, and the impact on women particularly tampons and pads, reported: “this has and girls. We particularly need to hear the voices The good news is that some made a huge difference to my situation – of young women, disabled women, and women AVIG UK-accredited Initial Training Courses in progress is being made. need to hear to be able to get free sanitary products for whom English is not their first language; and not to lose my dignity in the process.” groups who have been underrepresented in the In the summer of 2017, Scotland the voices Video Interaction However, it is crucial that women and girls research completed so far. While the research became the first country to of young be given a choice of products to ensure by Women for Independence is a milestone, provide free sanitary products women, their needs are properly met, to preserve Engender has been encouraged by the number Guidance (VIG) to low-income women through a their dignity, and to maintain their health. of college and university students – in Scotland pilot scheme in Aberdeenshire. At disabled Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) offers a therapeutic and elsewhere in the UK – who have reached out intervention to help clients repair their important national level, Labour MSP Monica women, What next? to ask questions and to share information with relationships. VIG Orkney delivers: Lennon has championed the need and women us about their research interest on the subject. to eradicate period poverty from While debates in Holyrood and • regular face-to-face VIG training and supervision Scotland and, on International for whom commitments by the Scottish Government While period poverty generally refers to the throughout Scotland for professionals from health, Women’s Day, announced her English is not are a start, there is still much to be done to challenge of women being unable to afford education, social work and voluntary sectors intention to introduce a Members’ their first reduce the stigma of periods and to enable sanitary products, it also relates to a wider issue Bill aimed at ensuring women and women to participate more fully in public of equality. There is a poverty of understanding on • distance learning throughout the world girls receive free sanitary products. language” life. There remain important questions menstruation, which needs tackling, and stigma about how we support homeless women, that still needs challenging. Education must play a • professional development projects and training Most recently, the First Minister women living in poverty, and women part, not just by providing products to students, announced that the Scottish but through the way periods are discussed in through Video Enhanced Reflective Practice public spaces. Are students of all genders taught • Residential Inital Training Courses in VIG, hosted in iStockphoto ©zoranm (VERP) about menstruation? Are there discussions about Orkney, during April and September 2018 different forms of sanitary protection, from tampons to menstrual cups? Are staff taught “Girls shouldn’t be penalised because of biology” to respect and believe young women citing Interested? periods as a reason not to partake in swimming Visit www.vigorkney.co.uk or contact Miriam Why we support Monica Lennon MSP’s proposed legislation lessons, or for needing painkillers in class? Are Landor [email protected] students challenged when mocking menstruating Monica Lennon MSP’s Member’s Bill would ensure free access to schoolmates? These are small steps, but they are sanitary products, including in schools, colleges and universities. vital to reducing the stigma of menstruation. The consultation closed on 8 December and we anticipate it will receive widespread support. It must be recognised that period poverty, as with so many other aspects of reproductive Children in Scotland supports this for a number of reasons. Firstly, health, is a gendered issue. As such, solutions as Emma and Alys eloquently argue on these pages, women and must recognise the impact menstruation has on Upcoming girls are currently financial disadvantaged because of their biology. women’s equality. Period poverty is a symptom of While costs associated with menstruation are ones many of us events in 2018 women’s poverty. Women are bearing the brunt can cope with, evidence says that for women and girls living in of social security, are less likely to be in high paid, poverty, this is a cost that’s often difficult to meet. Consequently, To book, or to see our full full-time work, and are still more likely than men to many are forced to make healthcare decisions that leave them list of events, visit provide unpaid care. While tackling period poverty uncomfortable, ill-at-ease, self conscious and unable to fully childreninscotland.org.uk will not solve women’s poverty, to ignore it is to participate in their lives. ignore women’s lived experiences of inequality. We also acknowledge that stigma associated with menstruation While we fight for an end to women’s poverty still exists. It’s not talked about enough. A completely normal part and inequality more generally, ensuring that of life is hidden away. women are not punished for menstruating For these reasons, we agree that the provision of universally free seems a fairly simple place to start. sanitary products is absolutely the right thing to do. Women and Emma Trottier is Policy and Parliamentary girls should not need to jump through hoops to access what they Manager, and Alys Mumford is Communications need, or make their requirements for tampons, pads and cups and Engagement Manager with Engender Embedding a whole school approach to gender publicly visible. Sanitary products should be freely and easily balance in STEM available when and where they are needed. That must include Friday 26 January, Glasgow schools, community settings and workplaces.

The Scottish Government has a responsibility to ensure this > For more information on the work of Engender, Building emotional resilience and wellbeing in happens. The additional costs associated with this measure is visit engender.org.uk children with autism: with Professor Tommy MacKay Wednesday 31 January, Glasgow completely justifiable for public health reasons. We also believe it is the responsibility of workplaces across in the public, private and > A summary of Engender’s summer roundtable Enquire annual conference 2018 third sectors to support these costs. discussing period poverty in Scotland can be found in the Publications area of their website No two children are the same: Adapting and changing Through this Bill we have a great opportunity to resolve one key practice to meet the needs in your settings area of gender inequality. Let’s make it a legal responsibility. > Lend your support to the national campaign to Wednesday 21 March, Aberdeen end child poverty, and find out more about Monica Amy Woodhouse, Head of Policy, Projects & Participation Lennon’s consultation and proposed Bill at To book email [email protected] or periodpovertyscotland.weebly.com call 0131 313 8828

20 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 21 AGENDA Leader comment: p23 AGENDA Comment, Jackie Brock

policy & Realising rights in p24 analysis ASL Topping up child p26 benefit Parents – making the difference Positive body image p28 Avoiding Fetal p30 The National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS) works in partnership Alcohol Syndrome with national and local government and other organisations, involved in education and child wellbeing issues, to ensure that parents play a full and equal role in education. Our overall aim is to help every child to maximise their potential through their school life. Rising to the challenge

The NPFS continues to remind our partners of the As Chair of the NPFS, I want Scotland’s parents As children’s rights make inroads on our policy agenda parent voice and its importance in our education and Parent Councils to continue to get the support system today. Parents are crucial to the overall they need to help their children and their schools. and attitudes change, Scots law must keep up the pace achievement of our children in so many different Although parents have achieved a great deal and – but so must our sector. By Jackie Brock ways and the closing of any attainment gaps will we have much to be proud of, we cannot rest on our be impossible without their involvement and laurels. There is more to be done and with your help arlier in 2017 I was always afforded the respect For example , in March 2017, delighted to co-present a and rights they are due. a Supreme Court Ruling engagement. the NPFS can keep this topic front and centre in all E talk at Stirling University with was made in relation to an future discussions about education. @jackiejbrock Associate Dean of Learning To take one important application for a permanence Our recent Review of the impact of the Scottish and Teaching John L’Anson example, it took us years order under Section 80 of Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 has Yours in partnership, discussing the challenges of pressure and awareness the Adoption and Children further raised the importance of parental Joanna Murphy, Chair and threats to children’s raising to reach a point where (Scotland) Act 2007. legislation will change to involvement in its various forms. rights in today’s world. ensure that children have It stated: “Society must be

John gave an excellent equal protection from assault, willing to tolerate very diverse The 2006 Act recognised the diversity of parents, You can read the Review of the impact of the summary of the legal context, as adults do. Other areas of standards of parenting, taking into account that some parents need Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 highlighting the question of child rights legislation are including the eccentric, the support to help their child at home and others are and the DFM’s response via the following links: Scotland’s adherence to the evolving at an equally glacial barely adequate and the able to give their time to help their school and the http://bit.ly/review_impact_ScottishSchoolsAct United Nations Convention pace. inconsistent. It follows too education of all children. This blended approach led and http://bit.ly/DFM-response on the Rights of the Child that children will inevitably (UNCRC), on which we In the last few years the have both very different to the current legislation and guidance. could definitely do better, Scottish Government and experiences of parenting and and the potential impact of some local authorities very unequal consequences Our Review was an opportunity to take stock, Brexit on young people and have been moving towards flowing from it. It means and to look at how the legislation fits with today’s Get in touch families. Representing the systematically including that some children will children and young people in educational, political, economic and demographic [email protected] third sector, I provided some experience disadvantage and reflections on the challenges decision making, with much harm while others flourish in landscape. We also looked to examples around parentforumscotland � for the children’s sector in more focus on participation atmospheres of loving security the world, to ensure that Scotland remains at the �parentforumscot advocating the fulfillment of and engagement activity, and emotional stability. forefront of best international practice. www.npfs.org.uk children’s rights through all something we at Children These are the consequences aspects of policy, practice in Scotland champion. of our fallible humanity and John Swinney, Deputy First Minister (DFM) Join our mailing list and across civil society. However, this is a relatively it is not the provenance of new approach, and these big and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, www.npfs.org.uk/join-our-mailing-list the state to spare children “Consulting Children in Scotland’s institutions are slowly catching all the consequences of welcomed all the findings and recommendations of young mission is to reflect the on to what many in the sector defective parenting.” our Review. This was an important moment for the people? Big UNCRC in everything have been practicing for years. NPFS, as we appreciated the strength behind the we do. Communicating, At first sight, this ruling DFM’s response. It reinforces the growing need for institutions respecting and defending Many of us encourage these appears to undermine so parents to be part of their child’s formal education are slowly children’s rights is at examples of more open, many of our approaches to inclusive communication with and recognises that this involvement needs to be the core of our activity. supporting children and their catching on But this does not come young people and progress families. It certainly goes to appropriate for all parent groups, with times and to what many without challenges. from old fashioned views the heart of assumptions that places that best suit them. have been about children’s profile and the children’s sector must do There is a deeply societal contribution. But all it can to promote equality practicing for embedded attitude when antiquated attitudes and prevent “inconsistent” years” within Scottish society, are entrenched in law, they parenting, primarily by and amongst many of our can prove harder to shift, supporting families. Social lawmakers in particular, and produce tensions with Work Scotland is looking that means children are not our values and experiences. at the implications of this

December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 23 case for its policy and practice but maximising his or her participation outdated, and increasingly unused, advocate and have important insights AGENDA it is a reminder that the law and the in decision-making and ensuring approach? about the best ways of helping children AGENDA interpretation of it does not always chime Paper vs practice provision of the necessary support and use their rights. with our practice and expectations. information for this. The Act enables Legislation in both England and pilot schemes to be introduced for Scotland has established important Our research will conclude in March At the other end of the spectrum is the children to appeal or bring disability new rights for children and young 2019. We hope it will display positive Scottish Government’s Information Emphasis on rights for discrimination complaints under the people with additional support needs, findings with regards to the practical Sharing Bill. Critics suggest this is Equality Act 2010. without a doubt. But as yet, there is realisation of rights as well as shed an example of the state trying to children with additional no real evidence that this has made some light on the way in which children intrude into family life, despite the support needs is a positive On the face of it, these measures a significant difference to the lives and young people’s rights sit alongside intention being to better protect represent a substantial extension of of children and young people with those of their parents and what those children who may be at risk. step, but only if they become children’s status as rights holders. additional support needs, and their measures schools and local authorities Indeed, in certain areas Scottish experience and engagement with take to promote the rights of children During my presentation at Stirling I a reality, writes Sheila Riddell children hold greater rights education, on either side of the and young people. also considered an amendment to the than their peers in England, border. I hope to change this. Additional Support for Learning (ASL) and, at least on paper, “Often there With increasing emphasis on the hanges to additional support needs Legislation that extends the rights of Scotland appears to be the are a number Joint research, conducted by importance of recognising children and legislation, due to commence in January children aged 12 and over with capacity. C most progressive country myself and a research team at young people’s rights, will Scotland live 2018, shift emphasis away from the rights of of changes in Europe with regard to the University of Manchester, up to its reputation on paper of being parents and carers to focus much more strongly In line with the amendment, children children’s rights legislation. needed led by Neville Harris, aims to one of the most progressive nations in on the rights of children and young people. now need to pass a “capacity” test. to make establish whether the reforms The question is whether these theoretical Europe? The consultation on this amendment However, there is always represent a paradigm shift in rights that exist on paper will be translated into theoretical revealed significant issues, assumptions a danger that rights exist the recognition and realisation practice. rights a and some could even claim, prejudices, on paper but are not of these rights. Professor Sheila Riddell is Direcotr of

about young people implemented in practice. practical the Centre for Research in Education Despite the emphasis on empowerment of with additional support Often, there are a number reality” We will be analysing data in Inclusion and Diversity (CREID) at the “Young children in the UN Convention on the Rights needs and their capability of changes that are needed the two jurisdictions including University of Edinburgh of the Child (UNCRC), and the UN Convention people to make decisions. to make theoretical rights a survey of local authorities, on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities a practical reality and a key informant interviews and should not (UNCRPD), parental rights in education have > To find out more about the project, We supported the whole host of questions still need to be case studies of children and young always tended to trump those of children which aims to establish whether be expected extension of rights but answered. people with additional support needs and young people. This was primarily in the education reforms truly represent a we wanted to make and their families to illustrate the to exercise interest of promoting better, more effective paradigm shift in the recognition and sure that children and Given that many parents, particularly possibilities and challenges of adopting ‘partnership’ between parents and education realisation of rights for children and their young people could those from disadvantaged a rights-respecting approach. authorities. Whilst it is acknowledged that young people with additional support rights by not be expected to backgrounds, struggle to use their much remains to be done to ensure the rights needs, visit: exercise these rights rights, what are the chances of Children and young people will of shoehorning of parents and carers are understood and ed.ac.uk/education/rke/ by shoehorning them children’s rights being realised in course be at the heart of our research, respected, the rights agenda now seems to centres-groups/creid/projects/ them into into an adult-led, quasi- practice? Are the new rights (for and will be included in qualitative have shifted. Children and young people, quite autonomy-rights-sen-asn-children. judicial process. This example, to bring an independent aspects and dissemination activities. an adult-led rightly, are the main focus of all activity. was accepted by the case to the tribunal) going to be used, We are also interested in hearing from >To find out more, or be involved, process” Scottish Government and what support will be necessary parents of children with ASN, since In Scotland, the Education (Scotland) Act contact [email protected] and appropriate support to enable this to happen? How are they are often the child’s principal 2016 has conferred independent rights on

will be put in place. children’s rights going to sit alongside Image taken at The Yard, Edinburgh ©Anna Cervinkova children above the age of 12 who are judged those of their parents, and is there to have capacity and where the exercise of Fundamentally, across all areas, if children any chance that one set of rights these rights would not be detrimental to their and young people are to exercise their might be played off against another? well-being. These rights are almost equivalent rights, the structures and means for In Scotland, how will the tests of to those held by parents and young people exercising these rights must be led by capacity and detriment to wellbeing and include the right to request an assessment them and adapted in line with their needs. be applied in practice? How will of additional support needs and a statutory particularly vulnerable groups of plan; receive advice and information; request When looking at the legislative children and young people be helped a copy of a Coordinated Support Plan; and activity planned for 2018, we can be to understand and use their rights, use dispute resolution services including the proud of plans to embed in law equal for example, those who are care Tribunal. protection from assault and raise experienced, from disadvantaged the age of criminal responsibility. backgrounds, or with significant South of the border in England, under the learning disabilities? Children and Families Act 2014, independent However, we must remember that rights are extended to those aged 16- new laws and policy developments are It is also interesting to note that in plus. These also afford young people the almost always about catching up with Scotland many of the rights are linked right, amongst others, to express views on technological developments, societal to the Coordinated Support Plan assessment of their needs and on a draft attitudes or other behaviour that need (CSP) - but our research has shown education, health and care plan (these to be modified in line with our approach that since 2010 there has been a year- plans have replaced ‘statements’ of Special to the UNCRC and children’s rights. on-year decline in the use of both Educational Needs); to request a review of CSPs and Independent Education their needs; to access advice; and to appeal in It is an ongoing challenge, and one Plans, the latter of which is offered their own right over a wide range of issues. that leaves those working with and for to those children identified as having children, young people and their families, additional support needs but not For the under-16s, while the new rights are with no shortage of work. It is what qualifying for a CSP. Support plans more limited, their autonomy has received makes what we do so stimulating and are only issued to 0.3% of the school some recognition. English local authorities, necessary – and it’s at the heart of our population. for example, when carrying out Special beliefs about equality and social justice. Educational Needs functions, must now have So can we actually pinpoint any regard not only to the child’s views, wishes Jackie Brock is Children in Scotland’s real and significant changes, or is and feelings but also to the importance of Chief Executive the recognition of rights tied to an

24 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 25 claim, has no stigma attached and Green parties have both AGENDA to it, and as a consequence publically supported our call. AGENDA has a very high take-up, unlike The Greens lodged a Stage Policy, Projects and Five is the magic number some other benefits. 3 amendment to require that child Participation round-up However, not “Families fall poverty delivery Topping up child benefit by £5 is a simple solution to a everyone is in favour in and out of plans set out whether During autumn we focused on ensuring young of universal benefits. people are heard on Brexit, celebrated a big poverty all the Scottish Ministers complex problem and would make a difference to families intend to provide win for our food programme partners, and across Scotland, argues Amy Woodhouse Naomi Eisenstadt, time based on a top-up to child welcomed a new face to the team. a former Scottish changing work benefit. They were By Elaine Kerridge Government poverty successful and the circumstances, Showing common cause on Brexit advisor, has gone on amendment was record questioning housing We’ve been busy working to highlight the tage Three proceedings These comprise: financial We are keen to ensure that passed. It does not whether universal voices of children and young people in Brexit, of the Child Poverty support for children and Scottish Ministers use all and age of force the Scottish @amywoodhoose S benefits, including including meeting with Scottish Government (Scotland) Bill commenced parents; automatic powers at their disposal Government to child benefit and children. Child Minister Mike Russell MSP, speaking at the on Wednesday 8th payments to address child poverty. implement this winter fuel payments, benefit does EU Citizen’s Rally in London on child rights, November. As members of benefits “Research This will be essential if the top-up, but does are the most effective and attending a meeting in the Houses of of the End Child Poverty and support; by the Child target of reducing child not penalise commit them to use of limited Parliament to discuss the likely implications Group, Children in Scotland information, advice poverty to less than 10% change” considering it. In our Poverty resources. In an for children. We’ve been collaborating with has warmly welcomed and assistance to of children in Scotland view, this is certainly interview with The partners, particularly Together and the the introduction of this parents in relation Action by 2030 is to be met. We a step forward. Times newspaper Children and Young People’s Commissioner Bill, which we view as an to social security Group were pleased therefore to in September, she suggested for Scotland and hope to announce more in important step towards entitlements, see all of these measures We need to continue to indicates that, if you give everybody coming months. Look online at Together’s eradicating child poverty income included in the revised make the case for why a child an increase the same, you will always recent report which found that one in 10 in Scotland. We have been maximisation, bill, in recognition benefit top-up is a good thing working hard as a group to in child that employment is have unequal outcomes. to introduce, and we would UK children could risk losing significant financial support protections in relation to cross-border family inform and influence the and education. benefit an important factor, warmly encourage our readers, Bill as it has progressed but not the only I can see how it could be members and supporters to law as a result of Brexit. It also covers could lift perceived as a wasteful measure, Download at togetherscotland.org.uk through parliament, and are the availability alleviator of poverty. sign up to the campaign and get confident that it is stronger more than giving money to some families stuck in. and affordability who will not need it. However, Food, Families, Future partner scoops award now than it was when first of housing; the 30,000 This is particularly true at heart this is an incredibly As a comparatively wealthy Our Food, Families, Futures work is now introduced in February 2017. availability and when there is robust children out pragmatic and practical country this is a vital area where officially award-winning, with Dalmarnock affordability of evidence to support solution to a thorny problem. we can, and must, make a Primary School the recipients of a well- One area where we have childcare; parental of poverty.” specific interventions. change. deserved Herald Society Partnership Award been successful is to get the employment and For example, research by We know that poverty is not in October and a Scottish Public Services inclusion, on the face of the skills development, the excellent and highly a constant state and families Amy Woodhouse is Children Award in November. The wins reflects the revised Bill, of key measures assistance and respected Child Poverty Action fall in and out of poverty all the in Scotland’s Head of Policy, commitment of the whole Dalmarnock that Scottish Ministers must support for physical and Group in Scotland (CPAG) time based on changing work Projects and Participation community and a fantastic summer consider when preparing mental health and effective delivery plans to meet indicates that using powers circumstances, housing, age of programme which enabled children and use of our new top-up powers. children etc. Riding out changes child poverty targets. to top-up reserved benefits, > Find out more about Children families take part in fun activities and share to income-related benefits in provided for in Part 3 of the in Scotland’s involvement in the food together. these circumstances can be very Scotland Act 2016, could have a Give Me Five campaign at challenging. But child benefit Scottish Government significant impact. In particular childreninscotland.org.uk/our- does not penalise change. Children’s Champion they highlight that an increase work/projects/ of £5 per week on child benefit In October it was could lift more than 30,000 We’re not the only organisation announced that Permanent children out of poverty. that’s convinced of the Secretary Leslie Evans rationale behind Give (right) will be the Scottish When you consider that, Me 5. CPAG has been a Child Poverty Targets Government’s Children’s according to the latest powerful driving force Champion. She has agreed to meet with Legislation, passed unanimously by Scottish Government figures and we are thankful our Strategic Forum throughout 2018 to 115 voting MSPs on Wednesday (as outlined in the report for their influence achieve a more cohesive approach across 8 November, means that in the Poverty and Income Inequality and commitment. government to policymaking for children and financial year starting in April 2030 in Scotland 2015/16) more The campaign has young people. the government has a statutory than one in four (260,000) of also been taken up obligation to have achieved: Scotland’s children are officially by a wide variety of Name changes and new faces organisations from Our departmental name has changed, as recognised as living in poverty, • less than 10% of children living across the children’s part of the Children in Scotland rebranding this is a significant step towards in households in relative poverty sector, alongside faith project. We are now called the Policy, achieving national targets. (currently 22%) groups, trade unions and Projects and Participation department, to The case for this change wider civic society. This • less than 5% of children living in better reflect the range of work we do. We ‘Give Me 5’ campaign image convinced us to join the Give demonstrates that the households in absolute poverty also welcomed a new member to the team, Me 5 campaign. The campaign benefits of the increase (currently 21%) Emma Rogan, who is our Senior Policy Officer calls on MSPs to ensure that are recognised by many (Participation & Engagement). the 2018/19 budget and who don’t always tend • less than 5% of children living in Scottish Government spending to champion the same households that combine low income > For more information on our policy, plans include a top-up of child cause: it’s not just the and material deprivation (currently projects and participation work, visit benefit by five pounds. usual suspects from 12%) childreninscotland.org.uk the children’s sector Introducing a single rate top-up who support it. • less than 5% of children living in > To discuss how we can facilitate to child benefit is the simplest households that are in persistent engagement with young people, contact and most effective way to boost At a political level, poverty [email protected] family incomes. It is easy to the Scottish Labour

26 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 27 Our role is to prepare our children for influence and have a key role to In our view, the earlier we start, the AGENDA the world that they inhabit and we play in building their children’s body better. AGENDA believe that safe, age-appropriate confidence. Image-anxious children? body image education needs to be Nicky Hutchinson and Chris Calland are included as a vital part of In recent years some parents body image and behaviour consultants, their curriculum. have voiced concerns about and founders of Not Just Behaviour their pre-school children. The earlier we start the Some despair that they are It’s not a pretty picture “It is never too better. It is never too early already expressing critical to help our children to early to help views about their looks. > To find out more about Not Just Behaviour, visit develop emotional resilience our children Others tell us that their Young people need emotional resilience to view to the pressures of our young children are confident notjustbehaviour.co.uk or visit Not Just looks-obsessed culture. Our to develop individuals who don’t give Behaviour on Facebook their bodies positively — and celebrate differences, award-winning book, ‘Body emotional their looks a second thought Image in the Primary School’, resilience to and they desperately want > Nicky and Chris have authored three write Nicky Hutchinson (top) and Chris Calland books on subjects including body image was the first to provide an the pressures them to stay that way. evidence-based curriculum and positive behaviours for young promoting body confidence of our looks- It’s important that we, as children. Minnie and Max are OK!, e all want our children to quarter (24%) of childcare they soon get used to telling us for primary aged children. In obsessed parents, as educators, help Body Image in the Primary School and Wbe happy and resilient. professionals reported seeing which pictures are acceptable 2012, the UK government’s culture“ our young people recognise Intervening Early Promoting Positive Confident in their own skin and body confidence issues in to share and which aren’t quite own enquiry recommended their own qualities and skills, Behaviour in Young Children are all positive about who they are. children aged 3-5. up to scratch. that body image education understand that they have a available on Amazon. As young children, we would should be introduced into genetic inheritance and realise expect them to be looking It’s sad to see children as young And what message do they primary schools, but this is that it’s important that we > Nicky and Chris will be leading our outwards and exploring the as this displaying unhappiness hear about food? They only not compulsory. all look different. We are aware that event, A self esteem approach to world, celebrating all they can with their bodies. Why are have to tune in to our guilt there is an obesity issue in the UK but building body confidence in children age do and achieve. children feeling negative about around food and constant We work in schools to train staff, run we know that if we can raise self- 4-13, in February. their appearance at such a anxieties about obesity, food, workshops and lessons with children esteem and encourage healthy positive Find out more on our website But sadly, we are seeing a tender age? dieting, to hear a lot of fat but we also encourage seminars for attitudes to our bodies then children childreninscotland.org.uk shift in how children view and body talk; I’m on the clean parents because, of course, parents are far more likely to be a healthy or email @youngbodyimage Children soak up the messages themselves. Body image has eating diet’, ‘She’s put on a lot themselves are children’s biggest weight and to have a strong self-image. [email protected] historically been that surround them of weight’, ‘Have you seen his the domain of the and early experiences six-pack?’ adolescent, but is are so important. now impacting on Today they are growing It’s hard to protect our children Illustration by Martha Pettinger, aged 9 our children at a “It’s hard to up in an image-based from society’s message that much earlier stage. culture. Let’s look at what you look like is the most protect our what is around them important thing about you. We regularly meet children from – images on billboards, Children are hearing it loud teachers and society’s advertising and and clear. The question is, why parents who are message magazine covers that does body image matter? concerned about are photo-shopped. children showing that what The way a child thinks of signs of body you look like Their own clothes have themselves is vital to building anxiety when they is the most messages proclaiming positive mental health. Self- are extremely they’re ‘Pretty as a acceptance is a building block young. Recently, important picture’ or ‘Gorgeous’ to self-esteem and having while visiting a thing about and superhero dressing a healthy body image has primary school you” up costumes have now a positive influence on our we came across a been manufactured emotional, physical and social little boy of four to include a padded well-being. who was upset six-pack. because he didn’t We know that our children are have a six pack, and a girl of Even if they don’t beginning to feel extremely eight who didn’t want to show have their own social media self-critical and anxious. her legs because they were account they see it around Mental health concerns are “too chubby”. Concerned them, everyone taking selfies, becoming more commonplace teachers tell us about very analysing how they look and in schools as children reach young children hiding food and comparing themselves to adolescence. As parents and discussing ways to lose weight. others. educators it is our duty to support our young people to Now, research is backing up Children today live in a build up emotional resilience what we are seeing in schools world where we photograph so that they are less influenced and hearing from parents. everything. They themselves by the pressures around are the most photographed them. The positive effects of Statistics published by PACEY, children ever and many already this early support are long- the Professional Association have an online footprint before lasting. Research tells us that for Childcare and Early Years, they are even born! We love a child’s self-esteem at age in 2016 say 71 per cent of to share cute pictures of our eight is a significant factor in childcare professionals believe little darlings and they learn whether they go on to suffer that children are becoming very quickly to pose and pout from eating disorders in their worried about their looks for the camera. We show them teenage years. from an early age. Nearly a how gorgeous they are and

28 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 29 AGENDA VOICES Members’ p31 VOICES People, Spotlight: Parents We need facts not fiction on FASD projects, Network Scotland Changing our world p33 Let’s stop perpetuating myths on alcohol and pregnancy, perspectives Improving gender p34 write Dr Linda de Caestecker and Dr Jonathan Sher balance in Scotland Making music p36 with those with resident Kennedy once drinks alcohol while pregnant, against each other. It is additional needs Pobserved, “the great her chance of having a baby not true that an expectant enemy of truth is very often with FASD is one in 13. mother drinking one glass of not the lie – deliberate, champagne at a wedding has contrived and dishonest – The evidence is clear that just ruined her baby’s life. Just but the myth: persistent, FASD is the most common as it is not true that having persuasive and unrealistic”. preventable cause of wine with dinner most nights lifelong learning disabilities, throughout pregnancy doesn’t Fetal Alcohol Spectrum behavioural problems and really ‘count’ as drinking. Disorder (FASD) remains diverse developmental Alcohol consumption during “Our aim is to leave a lasting legacy the subject of misleading defects. Alcohol has been pregnancy is a real risk, but myths and half-truths shown by decades of evidence not a certainty either way. across Scotland, resulting to be a ‘teratogen’, an agent in continued ignorance, that can, but does not The recently launched No so that communities can grow” inaction and ‘kidding always, cause birth defects. Alcohol, No Alcohol Harm ourselves on’ about the public health campaign across potential adverse impacts FASD’s effects can range from NHS Greater Glasgow and nspired by the Parenting of drinking while pregnant. heart abnormalities to facial Clyde (NHSGGC) focuses on University Boston project dysmorphologies, but the eliminating the risks through I The most conservative common denominator across two guaranteed prevention in the USA, Parent Network epidemiological estimate all people affected by fetal strategies; if pregnant, don’t Scotland is striving to create is that at least 500 babies alcohol harm is significant drink; or, if continuing to drink, each year in Scotland have brain damage, especially to don’t get pregnant. Both are ‘family hubs’ in communities had their lives and life ‘executive functions’ such as safe bets to avoid FASD. across the country. They will “The media chances compromised the ability to plan; to learn before birth by fetal from experience; and, to We believe that it both right give parents the meaningful, has ‘muddied alcohol harm. There is control impulses, including and respectful to replace personal and respectful the waters’ no cure. And, no one inappropriate sexual and myths with facts, explain the support they need to by pitting ‘outgrows’ FASD. substance abuse impulses. reasons ‘why’, and encourage empowering, informed choices improve children’s lives and two extreme The extent of fetal It can, and does, about reproductive lives and strengthen communities, positions alcohol harm is shocking. appear alongside other drinking. For example, most Only a tiny fraction neurodevelopmental people do not know that explains Jackie Tolland on alcohol of children and young difficulties. These alcohol passes through the Across Scotland, there is an ever- people (let alone of comorbidities matter placenta into the bloodstream during increasing recognition of parents and Scotland’s adults) are because the treatment of the fetus, remaining there carers as the ‘first educators’ of young pregnancy properly identified or for one may conflict with because a fetus cannot children. Now it is time to strengthen against each formally diagnosed as dealing well with the other. metabolise alcohol. having FASD. Estimates and ‘normalise’ the inclusion of other” mothers, fathers and carers as valued are based upon Those working with parents- NHSGGC has both an and equal partners with professionals international evidence, to-be, and potential parents, obligation and a commitment and officials, and for day-to-day largely from Canada and other have a world of challenges to make genuinely helpful practice to catch up with policy. OECD nations, because no and opportunities ahead advice and assistance available > Children robust studies have ever been to meaningfully identify, before conception, or while Parent Network Scotland (PNS) in Scotland, undertaken in Scotland, or manage and support pregnant, to overcome has worked for many years to widen commissioned by indeed the rest of the UK. children, young people and pressures resulting in access and participation among NHS Education families affected by FASD. unhealthy behaviours. We diverse groups of parents who are Scotland and led by The situation reminds us of also aim to identify and Directors of Public Health often marginalised and not equitably Dr Sher, published the gulf between the reality support the thousands of give priority to preventing included in decision making. the first NHS on- of autism and the number Scottish children, young fetal alcohol harm from line course on fetal of accurate diagnoses, and people and families who happening. All four UK We create spaces where parents alcohol harm. Find effective responses, 20 years must contend every day Chief Medical Officers, led can physically be together, support out more at ago. Ignorance is not bliss in with the consequences of by Scotland’s own CMO, Dr each other and reduce the sense of knowledge.scot.nhs. relation to either condition. a preventable condition Catherine Calderwood, who isolation and disempowerment that uk/home/learning- that was not prevented. compromises their and their children´s and-cpd/learning- The first myth is that FASD is is also an obstetrician, advise a rare condition that affects no alcohol during pregnancy; wellbeing. We offer support that spaces/fasd.aspx Dr Linda de Caestecker encourages and enables them to grow only an unlucky few. The while trying to conceive; or if is Director of Public latest rigorous international likely to become pregnant. their skills, knowledge, confidence > For further details Health with NHS Greater and, eventually, their positive influence on the No Alcohol, analyses tell a very different Glasgow and Clyde story. A pregnant woman who Too often, the media has on the children, institutions and No Alcohol Harm agencies that matter to them. public health buys a UK Lotto ticket has a ‘muddied the waters’ by Dr Jonathan Sher is campaign, visit one in 13,983,816 chance of pitting two extreme positions an Edinburgh based winning. By contrast, if she on alcohol during pregnancy

nhsggc.org.uk independent consultant 2011 ©NHS Health Scotland Stock image

30 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 31 Our aim is to leave a lasting legacy so that When ready, over a period of between eight VOICES individuals and their communities can continue and 12 weeks parents engage in group activities VOICES to grow stronger after we leave. designed to help them grow in confidence and competence – as individuals, We decided to develop the as parents and as community A day in the life concept of ‘family hubs’ after I was “Helping contributors. inspired by my visit to the USA parents Evie, aged eight, from Children in Scotland’s young people’s advisory group Changing in 2015 as a Winston Churchill It’s very common for parents to help Travelling Research Fellow. One acknowledge one another deal with the challenges Our World, describes her experience of attending our 2017 annual conference of the 12 parent engagement and address they are facing with their child’s projects I visited was the Parenting behaviour early on. We help them to University Boston. Launched in their own reflect on what is going on underneath 2009 to help build the capacity of feelings, that behaviour. Carrying out exercises parents to be actively engaged in particularly and asking questions like: When was their children’s education, sessions the last time you were really angry? for parents, in school settings, when their own How were you feeling? When you were focused on child development, experiences angry and frustrated, what did you what children are learning need? in school, advocacy, parent have been leadership and effective parenting difficult, is Such conversations often include a skills. We aim to tailor this support absolutely hug and a heartfelt appreciation for for parents in their own Scottish having someone to listen to. Helping communities. key” parents acknowledge and address their own feelings, particularly when I observed this unique way of their own experiences of being engaging parents and had ideas for how the parented have been difficult, is absolutely model could be combined with Parent Network key. It can have a transformative effect as they Scotland’s three-step ‘Parenting Matters’ begin to empathise much more closely with model of supporting parents to build their own their own child’s feelings and see the value of capacity. taking the time to listen, read a story, or simply do the dishes together and chat. We are in the process of developing these ‘family hubs’ and applying for funding to Participants then have the opportunity to operate them first in a set of community progress to the Parenting for All development he Children in Scotland Annual Conference venues and primary schools in North Ayrshire, award, which develops skills in group work, T2017 was very exciting. Pledge to change our world Glasgow, Inverclyde and East Ayrshire. In the coaching, and relationship building. At the Changing our World stand we asked first instance, the hubs will be supported by During the conference, Changing our World

Members of COW with our Partici[ation and Engagement staff. Image © Stefano Modica © Stefano Image with our Partici[ationMembers of COW staff. and Engagement delegates to make children’s rights-based PNS staff whilst building the capacity of local The testimonies of those who have taken part asked delegates to pledge how they will pledges which we displayed on our wall. We parent volunteers. The hubs will be a safe space in our programme show the impact it can have. encourage, support and reflect the views and also designed some posters, t-shirts, and did and will help shape the kind of support they voices of children and young people in their work. “It has helped me grow as a person, mentally some origami. want, when and how they want it. Some of the pledges made include: and physically. I can communicate more We interviewed a primary teacher called The parents we work with are often isolated positively and overall [have] a more positive I, Jackie Brock, pledge to get the views of Graham André who was at the conference to and have themselves experienced adverse life. I get along better with my child and don’t children and young people and I will make a list speak about how boys and girls are treated in a childhood experiences (ACEs). Some face feel as angry with her behaviour as I have tools of what they tell me and ask my board, Scottish school. challenges of their own that often make them to help me which I would never have known Government and our members to help set feel vulnerable, sometimes so much so that about” said one parent. Some of the other members of the Changing actions. they require one-to-one support before they > Changing our our World group, Nina, Ronin and Finlay, even feel able to participate in a peer group. “For the first time in a long time I have friends I, Bruce Adamson, pledge to get the views of World is our children reflected on the conversation with Graham. Like everyone else, they must learn to resolve who are genuine and because we were given a children and young people by safeguarding and safe open space to communicate, we are close and young people and move beyond their own ACEs before they advisory group. Finlay said, “It made me think about the boys promoting their rights and involving them every can prevent such adversity from burdening and can talk about anything and know we aren’t day in all I do. judging each other. More importantly for me in Made up of children who wore skirts to school because they weren’t another generation of young Scots. allowed to wear shorts.” Nina knows that in my development is not fearing the future,” said and young people I, Katie Rafferty (service director, respect me) “some places, like Denmark, it is becoming another. (currently aged 8-18) pledge to get the views of children and young more popular to get children gender neutral the advisory group people to make sure that the voices of children Spotlight on: clothing.” At Ronin’s school “the teachers went Witnessing participants’ confidence grow and will help ensure we and young people inform our anti-bullying work. on a course. They can’t say boys and girls now. Parent Network Scotland seeing where this takes them is the reason I do actively listen to We will reach out to YP in different settings and what I do. I believe the Scottish Government, They say ‘Good morning everyone’. It’s got to and where possible involve them in our planning. and a range of professionals are now realising be equal.” Parent Network Scotland has been a member of Children action their views. in Scotland since 2011. Staff have attended a range of the huge potential of building the capacity of parents who need meaningful, personal, More information We visited some of the other stalls and got Children in Scotland conferences and training covering can be found in the a photo with another advisory group, Who topics including parents as partners, engaging fathers respectful support to play their crucial roles as > With thanks to Evie, Finlay, Ronin, Nina, Marcus, well as possible. That power can be harnessed Our Work section of Cares? Scotland. We got a picture with and male carers, supporting early years children who are Jake, Daniel, Remy, Martha and Mhairi who all to help children and also assist communities in our website Haggeye and many other organisations as well. distressed, and supporting primary children with Autistic attended the Children in Scotland annual conference becoming as strong as they can be. We did lots of awesome tweets with pictures in Spectrum Disorder. our sparkly tweet frame. on behalf of Changing our World. Jackie Tolland is Chief Executive of Parent “We would like to continue with the connection we have Some of us went to a Creative Journey Network Scotland with Children in Scotland and are thankful for their workshop then we took the stage! Ronin and > In November we launched our support in advertising our own training to members. Finley spoke while the rest of the group stood principles and guidelines for the This support is invaluable and we look forward to > To find out more about the work of Parent behind, listening intently. We presented on the participation and engagement of continue reaping the benefits of this partnership.” Network Scotland, visit pledges made, and a bit more about our group. young people (right). Visit our parentnetworkscotland.org.uk website to download your copy Then we did an evaluation, tidied up, and it was – Jackie Tolland, Parent Network Scotland childreninscotland.org.uk > Interview by Nicola Pay time to go home!

32 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 33 Research shows that teacher interactions tend We won’t eradicate gender stereotyping overnight. VOICES VOICES to be unconsciously gendered. More questions But if we all become more aware of our own biases are directed to boys and teacher responses to a and embed tackling hidden bias into our work and student struggling with a question vary practice we could soon live in a Scotland where girls according to the pupil’s gender. and boys really do have equal opportunities. “Recognising A balancing act there may When we monitor teacher interactions Heather Earnshaw and Charlotte Govan are the be an issue, and highlight the gendering, teachers Project Manager and Project Officer for Improving – like parents – are genuinely horrified. or even just Gender Balance Scotland (IGBS), run by Skills These are dedicated professionals, doing Development Scotland being willing their very best to support every child in to check if their classes. No one has ever talked to there is, is the them about the potential impact of their first and most unconscious biases. important The good news is there are a myriad of > Find out more about the Improving Gender quick and simple ways to tackle hidden step to take” Balance Scotland project at bias when working with young people skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/ and, as a result, the picture is changing. partners/improving-gender-balance/ Recognising there may be an issue, or even just being willing to check if there is, is the first and > Get your hands on the IGBS resources for tackling most important step to take. It is a daunting gender stereotyping at subject to tackle, but we can all play a part in bit.ly/HubIGBResources making improvements. > Confident in your own approach? Test yourself for Over the last two years we have seen unconscious bias at bit.ly/bias_testUK overwhelming positivity and enthusiasm from the schools and nurseries we’ve worked with as > Join us at our improving gender balance event, in collaborating with Institute of Physics, Education they embed our activities into their everyday Scotland and Skills Development Scotland, in practice. One teacher told us recently that one January to discuss, debate, and practice real of the most important things he has learned with change. Find out more and book at us is “understanding how small changes can make childreninscotland.org.uk/embedding-a-whole- the biggest impact”. school-approach-to-gender-balance-in-stem/

Case study: Pupils get green light Images supplied by Skills Development Scotland Images Skills Development supplied by A two-year project run in partnership with schools across Scotland on card company colour change

aims to tackle conscious, and subconscious, gender stereotyping. For the Improving Gender Balance Scotland competition, held in June, Dunrobin Primary School Primary 7 pupils Heather Earnshaw and Charlotte Govan tell us more Katie Wright and Craig Friend (pictured left) wrote to a major greetings card company asking them to produce less stereotypically gender-themed cards. They scooped the top ender stereotypes are pervasive. Over the This is not just about young women narrowing prize in their category. Glast two years of the Improving Gender their options. The perceptions about what is Balance project we’ve seen just how influenced acceptable ‘masculine’ behaviour can have a The pupils were unhappy with the lack of choice and young people’s perceptions of themselves, negative impact on boys too. prevalence of ‘blue for boys, pink for girls’ in stores. their interests and of others are by stereotypes reinforced in the wider world. The vast majority of adults working with young They conducted an online survey at school which found that people emphatically want the best for the nearly 60% of girls preferred blue to pink and more than half We don’t tend to stop and think about how children in their care. That’s not in doubt. But would choose a Marvel comics character over Barbie. It also many images and messages we receive about we all carry around our own biases whether we showed nearly 60% of boys who were asked liked dancing. how we ‘ought’ to act as a boy or as a girl. But know it or not. The pupils used the figures to urge the company to rethink those messages are powerful and have an its designs and make it easier to personalise cards in store, Do we respond to messy handwriting from a enormous impact on the choices young people arguing that it would likely increase their profits. make. They influence what they read, toys boy in the same way we would with a girl? Do they feel they can play with, clothes they think we treat disruptive behaviour from girls and Katie said: “We started this competition on my birthday as they can wear and ultimately the subjects and boys in the same way? Do we give out praise in I was fed up of getting girly cards. I don’t like flowery, pink career paths they choose. the same way? cards and stuff like that. We were so happy that we won.”

Of course there is nothing wrong with a young It is so easy to unconsciously slip into making Their teacher Emma Clark said: “It’s raised awareness person making a choice along stereotypical stereotypical assumptions. As one S2 pupil put throughout the school as well on gender equality. As their lines. But there is a problem when those are it to us: “Even though our parents say we can do class teacher I’m just so proud of them and everything the only options young people perceive for anything we want, they tell you to ‘think about they’ve achieved for themselves and for the school as a themselves, or perceive that society sees for it’ if you make an unusual choice. They make whole.” them. you doubt yourself.”

34 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 35 a long-term goal is to be able to attend a music VOICES session as part of a group, but each case is assessed individually to ensure it is best for the individual. Glad to hear it No two sessions are the same; some fall into a stereotype of beautiful predictability, some Venue Hire Emily Carr-Martin explains how a community music programme is don’t! Each session starts with a greeting song and To book, contact Erin Butler on: ends with some relaxed listening and a goodbye 0131 313 8827 or venue@ empowering young people with complex needs through music-making song. The content of the session then very much childreninscotland.org.uk depends on the child. We use an optional word ey to every project undertaken and run by this meeting, Glad Tuesdays was born. or picture timetable, taking care to allow space KHear My Music (HMM) is the philosophy for creative expression within a structure. that individuals who can find it difficult to have Glad Tuesdays became a refuge for a their voices heard are placed at the core of small number of autistic children who, at Some children come with the confidence to be the creative and communicative process. We times, found everyday life challenging to creative and to musically express themselves. They work with organisations, schools, communities navigate. Every Tuesday of the school term just need space, encouragement and guidance to do and individuals to ensure young people with we would meet for an hour after school for so. Many children don’t have this confidence when complex needs and/or an autism spectrum a structured, creative session of singing, they first arrive and providing a space to develop disorder can be recognised as individuals and rhythm games, composition and instrument this ability is something that is incredibly special express their individuality through music. exploration. Over time membership shifted to be part of. The first time a child spontaneously but regular attendance by some requests a particular instrument or piece of music, Glad Spectrum Music is a project of the same children gave the “Tuesdays or recognises that they are being the driving Located in the heart of Scotland’s capital just minutes that is at the very heart of the work group its unique personality. away from Haymarket railway station, our centrally became force behind the musical material, is something we do. As co-founder and director of that I feel especially privileged to be part of. located office space is fully accessible making it an HMM, I deliver the sessions along with a refuge Occasionally clashes would happen ideal venue for training, interviews and meetings. between group members. These were freelance specialist practitioners. We for a small One parent, speaking about her son who attends our Prices start from £15 per hour for a meeting room, to often easy to deal with but over time work with small groups and individuals number sessions, told me: “Struan has autism, and as a young £25 per hour for our larger training room which holds in the Glad Foundation after school it became clear that for one individual, boy it was hard to engage and reach into his world. up to 35 people. of autistic the inevitable unpredictability of a two days a week. All participants Hear My Music has given him a place to explore his “The training room was spacious and well-equipped, have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. children who group setting was too much to handle. passion for music and the opportunity to learn in so it was ideal. Staff were friendly and attentive so I found every And so, Glad Spectrum Music was an environment that’s individually tailored to him.” couldn’t really have asked for more!” The Glad Foundation was started day life born, providing the opportunity (Befriending Networks) to put into action the social and for children to work individually challenging” Another said: “Glad Tuesdays is something For more information visit our website community purpose of its sister if required. We received funding Ciaran looks forward to every week. It gives him organisations, the Glad Cafe and from Children in Need to run a pilot a place where he can express himself through Glad Rags Thrift. Its aim is to create project and, based on demand, a music and learn to socialise with his peers.” opportunities for people of all ages and further three years of funding was secured. abilities to engage meaningfully and creatively I have found that a high percentage of the children with music and each other, regardless of their There are so many reasons why an autistic who attend are particularly musically gifted, with experience, ability or background. In 2013 child may not thrive in a group situation. The many having perfect pitch. Every week we as I received a phone call asking me to meet flexibility of after-school sessions gives me practitioners are kept on our toes, with ironic musical with the director of the Glad Foundation and the opportunity to shuffle groups, allowing twists, swift key changes, interesting approaches to a parent to discuss starting a music group some children the chance to work individually instruments and unique approaches to environmental specifically for her son to attend. Following for a period of time until they are ready to sound. It is a joy to be able to work with, and participate in the group again. Sometimes discover the often hidden abilities of, the children.

The results and the positive impact has been recognised by all those involved. The Glad CPD-accredited Training Courses available! Foundation’s Project Manager, Rory Haye, has also observed a notable difference in those who take Has a child with Down’s syndrome recently started at your part. “Over the last four years the partnership school? Are there already children with Down’s syndrome between Hear My Music and the Glad Foundation in your school who have transferred to your class? has helped provide opportunities for one-to- one and group music-making for young people Down’s Syndrome Scotland is here to help all with ASD, and adults with additional support professionals across Scotland supporting a child or young needs. Our participant-led approach means person with Down’s syndrome. We offer bespoke those taking part are in control of the music being training on specific issues and individual consultation played, and it has been amazing to see their joy and confidence performing their own songs and visits to nursery or school as well as courses on compositions, and collaborating with others.” inclusion, positive behaviour support, teaching reading and numeracy. Emily Carr-Martin is co-founder of Hear My Music To discuss your training needs contact our team on 0131 442 8840

> Set up in 2010, Hear My Music (HMM) runs projects all over Scotland. Find out more at hearmymusic.org.uk T: 0131 442 8840 | E: [email protected] | W: www.dsscotland.org.uk > Read about the work of the Glad Foundation at Registered in Scotland No. 356717. Scottish Charity No. SC011012.

Young people programme Music attending a Hear My Young thegladcafe.co.uk/gladfoundation.html

36 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 December 2017 - January 2018 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE 37 Keep in touch with us Email the Editor: [email protected] TEA BREAK TEA BREAK TEA Notices & childreninscotland.org.uk childreninscotland @cisweb networks You’ll be amazed at what we see. New members We see the benefits of integrated specialist therapies. We are always delighted to welcome new We see lives transformed. members. Some of those who have joined us recently include: We see independence. Meet the staff • Fast Forward Positive Lifestyle • Kirklandneuk Primary School (Renfrew) To find out more visit royalblind.org/education

#2 : Catherine Garner • Newmains Primary School (Wishaw) Learning and Events Officer • The Language Hub C.I.C • East Dunbartonshire Association for Tell us a little bit about your job Mental Health I joined Children in Scotland’s Learning and Events • Calderglen High School (East Kilbride) team in August 2016. I am responsible for developing a programme of events and learning opportunities, with Find out more: a particular focus on Early Years, Raising Attainment, childreninscotland.org.uk/join Child Protection and events for our members.

What is the most rewarding part of your role? I would say reading the positive feedback from the training courses and events that we organise. To read Participation: Wooly web from a teacher that they feel inspired by what they have learned, and are returning to their job motivated Try this great ice-breaker, used by our and with a desire to share learning with their colleagues participation team for group work. Scottish Charity Number SC017167 means a lot. It really incentivises me to work hard and help deliver the best training we can. Things you will need: A large ball of wool - rainbow wool works best! 112249 - TRBS - Children in Scotland 134x189mm v2 RM.indd 2 07/08/2017 15:31 What has been your best professional achievement or Step 1: Have everyone sit or stand in a circle experience, so far? Step 2: The person holding the wool starts by I played a central role in organising our recent saying their name and something they like (e.g a networking event in September 2017, which launched hobby, interest or book) Children in Scotland’s new brand. The event was the Step 3: Holding the end of the string, throw the culmination of a huge amount of work on the part of ball to someone else in the group. everyone in Children in Scotland – particularly the STEP Communications and Events teams – so to see it all Continue until everyone is holding a piece of string come together on the night was very rewarding. Use at the start of a session as an icebreaker, or at the end Physical Literacy: If you could have a superpower, what would it be? to highlight links and shared Most of my colleagues know that I love swimming, interests. so maybe some gills and webbed feet would come in Raising Attainment handy. Does that count as a superpower? > Have you made a wooly web? Tweet us your results Tell us your favourite joke @cisweb #CiSMagazine Improving: Academic Attainment Why did the coffee file a police report? Because it was mugged. Wellbeing, Resilience and Behaviour

> Want to get in touch? Contact Catherine via email: Next issue: [email protected] or call 0131 313 8826 Feb-March 2018 Our next edition will be published in February. If you have any items you’d Unlocking potential through physical literacy like considered for inclusion, please get in touch with the editor by 20 www.STEPtoday.com December. Contact details top right.

38 CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND MAGAZINE December 2017 - January 2018 15 years of making a positive and lasting difference to children and young people

15 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP 15 YEARS OF QUALITY CARE Since it was founded in 2002, Foster Care Associates (FCA) Over the past 15 years FCA Scotland has recruited, supervised Scotland has been committed to developing and providing and supported over 500 new foster carer households, significantly innovative and high-quality children’s services. Alongside our increasing the pool of foster carers in Scotland, and over this time we customers we have been at the forefront of shaping one of the have supported the plans for nearly 1,500 children and young people. very best fostering services in the world, right here in Scotland. The quality is evident in the placement stability our carers On the 14th October 2017 FCA Scotland celebrated 15 years of offer, with over 98% of the children and young people being operating in Scotland. Our mission statement is to provide ‘quality looked after by FCA Scotland foster carers having been in care in family setting’ and we are committed to continue to do so their placement for over 2 years, and over 40% in permanent with demonstrable outcomes for children and young people. placements. In addition, the Care Inspectorate have consistently graded our services as ‘Very Good’ and ‘Good’. We are excited about continuing to work in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that we all share in making a positive and lasting difference to children. 15 YEARS OF INNOVATION At FCA Scotland there has been commitment over the past 15 years to help meet the needs of Scotland’s most vulnerable children 15 YEARS OF AMBITION and young people by reinvesting in the services we provide. Through our ground-breaking ‘Team Parenting®’ approach, FCA Scotland has always placed great importance on the achievements Part of this has been through a continuous evaluation of the services that children and young people make in terms of their education, we offer, with innovation as the driving force to achieve our vision. their health and wellbeing and fulfilment of their potential. In doing so we offer a range of fostering placements to support the needs of children and young people as they span the spectrum of Our most recent attendance statistics are up on previous years, need and this year we have launched our Forever Families service, showing FCA Scotland’s children are still well above the national recruiting carers for Permanence. Our innovations extend into the way averages for both the looked after population and all school attendees. in which we support young people in placement and ensure their voice In school year 2016-17 our young people had an average attendance is heard, alongside developing new and improved ways of supervising, of 97.7% which is 4.6% above the national average for all school age scrutinising and supporting the practice of our foster carers and staff. children in Scotland, and 6.1%* above the looked after population. *Source: Scottish Government Stats (published June 2016). As we look forward to the next 15 years our services will diversify to support innovation for vulnerable children and their families across FCA Scotland is also bridging the gap in attainment. We continue Scotland. We look forward to continuing to make a positive and lasting to fund 10 hours of one to one tuition for every pupil in S4, as well difference for children, families and communities across Scotland in as those in S5 with aspirations to Further and Higher education. partnership with customers, local government and sector partners. Last year our school leavers gained both National 4 and National 5 qualifications at a percentage significantly above those of the looked For further information please contact: after population and closer to that of the general school population. Jo Derrick, Managing Director, FCA Scotland on: As our young people have transitioned into young adults we have supported 70 young people to move onto their own accommodation and are registering as an adult placement provider to T: 0141 646 1400 support the Continuing Care agenda. 94% of our E: [email protected] school leavers remained in a positive destination one year after the month they left school. This compares to 71% of looked F after leavers and 91% of the general school population. Why not be part of the team? or staff and foster carer recruitment go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/fcascotland

fcascotland.co.uk