Skip to main content

Understanding the Policy Landscape

The following policies and laws relate to the lives of children and young people from Armed Forces families.

The Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise between the Government, the Armed Forces community and the nation that no service person, veteran or their family should face a disadvantage as a result of their service.

Find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant

UNCRC Incorporation (Scotland) Bill

The Incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) will be extremely important for all children and young people in Scotland. However, children and young people from armed forces and veteran families risk falling into a grey area where their lives are influenced not only by the Scottish Government but also by the Ministry of Defence where the UNCRC will not apply.

Read more about the UNCRC Incorporation (Scotland) Bill

Getting it Right for Every Child

Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is a Scottish Government policy aiming to make sure every child has the right support at the right time. It is about placing the child or young person and their family at the heart of decision-making and promoting choice. It is a rights-respecting and inclusive approach. Children should have a named-person who is a clear point of contact.

Find out more about GIRFEC

Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004

This Act places duties on Education Authorities and appropriate agencies to identify, assess and make provisions for children and young people who may have additional support needs. Children and young people with parents in the armed forces were identified as being a group that may require additional support.

View the policy View the statutory guidance View the legislation