1. Rights of Children & Young People Bill Consultation Scott Wood Children’s Rights & Wellbeing Division Scottish Government

2. Context Manifesto & Ministers’ Vision: “a programme of ambitious reform for transforming public services in order to improve the life chances of our children and young people. At the centre of these plans is a fundamental shift in our philosophy and direction, recognising the essential importance of the early years of a child's life.” Recognising, respecting and promoting Children’s Rights is central to that ambition.

3. Children’s Rights in Scotland Approach based on UNCRC 2008 Concluding Observations of UN Committee Alignment of Domestic Legislation with UNCRC Scottish Ministers response - “Do the Right Thing”

4. The Rights of Children & Young People Bill What We Hope to Achieve Increased prominence of the UNCRC Greater consistency & clarity around the role of the UNCRC in the work of Government Improved transparency & scrutiny Increased accountability

5. Duty on Ministers to have “Due Regard” to the UNCRC in exercising all functions. Duty on Scottish Ministers to report on implementation every five years. Extension to young persons aged under 21 who are looked after. Future proofing against changes to the UNCRC and Optional Protocols. The Rights of Children & Young People Bill Proposals

6. The Rights of Children & Young People Bill Implementation Awareness Raising and Skills Development within the Scottish Government Development of tools and resources to support assessment of policies against the UNCRC Review of core policies and processes such as budget allocation.

7. Consultation Deadline: Thursday 1 December 2011. Direct consultation with children and young people through: Young Scot Scottish Youth Parliament Children’s Parliament www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations

8. Timescales Proposed introduction of the Bill to Parliament: Summer 2012 Bill passed and Royal Assent: Spring 2013 Bill coming into force: Autumn 2014

9. Thank you