Gary Seath 1 year ago
We were delighted to see the Scottish Parliament has been busy with questions and debates relevant to children and young people from armed forces and veteran families.
It is critical that elected representatives understand the unique context in which these children live and use their position to ensure their needs are not forgotten in Scotland.
Most notably, the themes of veteran employment, young carers and additional support needs have been at the forefront of parliamentary focus this month.
Forces Children Scotland welcomed the Employment Support for Veterans and their Families debate in the Scottish Parliament, and was encouraged by the suggestions by MSPs.
We welcomed discussions on veterans accessing benefits, the lack of data available, promoting skillsets, and how childcare affects non-serving partners and children. It was notable however that the needs of children were not frequently mentioned. We plan to engage with MSPs and Ministers to ensure their needs are not forgotten in future debates.
We were delighted to see Martin Whitfield MSP highlight the work of Forces Children Scotland in helping veteran families and the Forces Life Board Game.
Being a young carer can be challenging for any young person, but life in an armed forces and veterans’ family can present additional unique challenges.
They may be caring for a parent due to physical or psychological needs, aiding a non-serving parent whilst their other parent is deployed, or assisting with the care of a sibling.
Young Carers in armed forces families are less likely to be identified and may receive less support, and when support is received it may be disrupted by regular moves and separation from the serving parent causing feelings of isolation.
This is why it is so important to listen to and amplify the voices of Young Carers in armed forces and veteran families.
Miles Briggs MSP asked the Scottish Government a serious of written questions regarding young carers. In response, it was stated that 73% of eligible people had received the Young Carers Grant in 2021-2022.
The Scottish Government are considering development of a national dedicated independent advocacy service for unpaid carers.
It was also confirmed that they are committed to co-designing, with people with lived experience, and implementing a coherent, consolidated, consistent approach to independent advocacy across the National Care Service.
Children and young people from armed forces and veteran families have been recognised as having potential additional support needs (ASN).
For example, children and young people from armed forces may need additional support due to high levels of mobility, who may experience contrasting coursework, subjects and exam frameworks and much more.
Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP submitted Written Questions on Additional Support for Learning. The Scottish Government stated they are working with local government partners on the Additional Support for Learning Project Board to deliver the recommendations made in 2020.
They are undertaking a policy mapping exercise to inform the development of a shared positive communications plan. The plan aims to ensure visibility and awareness of additional support for learning and children and young people’s achievements.
The Scottish Government also stated that, as part of their work on the Additional Support for Learning Action Plan, they have considered the impact of incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), as well as additional support for learning policy, practice, and guidance.
These themes are central to our influencing goals at Forces Children Scotland and we believe we have a role to play in ensuring the voices of children and young people are heard in future consultation and debate.
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