Forces Children Scotland 13 hours ago
Midlothian Council has become the latest local authority to adopt the Forces Children’s Rights Charter.
Cllr Pauline Winchester brought the motion to this week’s full council meeting, drawing on her own childhood as the daughter of a Royal Artillery soldier. Before she turned 18, she had lived in eleven homes across five countries and moved between five primary schools in just six years.
The motion was seconded by Cllr Margot Russell and backed unanimously. By adopting the Forces Children’s Rights Charter, the council has agreed to keep the needs of Forces children and young people in mind as it shapes policy and delivers services with its partners. It will also share its support for the charter with schools and community partners, and open the door for Forces Children Scotland to work alongside its children’s services.
Cllr Pauline Winchester said: “Children born into a Forces family have a unique life.
“I sat down last week and counted how many homes and schools I had up to the age of 18. I had eleven homes in five different countries, including a caravan and a Nissen hut. I also had five primary schools in six years, and three of these were in different countries.
“We certainly did not have the help that we required, but by pledging to adopt the Forces Children’s Rights Charter, we as a council can help. Everyone in the council has a role to play. I urge all councillors and council staff to go to the charter and take the pledge.”
Robert Reid, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Forces Children Scotland, said: “Forces children can face challenges linked to their parent’s service, particularly around transitions between schools and periods of family separation. Having the right support in place at the right time can make a significant difference to their wellbeing and educational outcomes.
“That’s why it is great that Midlothian Council has become the latest local authority in Scotland to endorse the Forces Children’s Rights Charter, emphasising its commitment to ensuring the rights of children and young people from Armed Forces families are met.
“I’d like to thank Cllr Winchester, who was herself a Forces child, for being so proactive in helping us reach this stage. I look forward to working with the council to ensure the aims of the charter are fulfilled.”
Robert and Cllr Pauline Winchester
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