As Scotland’s national children’s charity we stand up for children because every child should have a safe and happy childhood.
We protect children from harm, keep them safe, and support them to recover from trauma and abuse through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.
We help children, their families and the people who care for them for as long as it takes by offering emotional, practical and financial support.
We help children, their families and the people who care for them for as long as it takes by offering emotional, practical and financial support.
We give children hope and a brighter future.
Every childhood matters to us. We make sure children’s voices are heard in every decision that affects them and we campaign to make sure children’s rights are fulfilled in policy, practice and legislation.
But we can’t do any of this alone.
Together with our supporters, volunteers and partners we can make the future safer and brighter for every child. Their future is Scotland’s future. It’s time to put children first.
Read more about the impact we made in 2024.
Our purpose, vision, mission and values
To protect Scotland’s children.
A Scotland where every child is safe.
As Scotland’s national children’s charity, we stand up for children because every child should have a safe and happy childhood. We protect children from harm, keep them safe, and support them to recover from trauma and abuse through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.
Our values are core to everything we do. They serve as a guide for our day-to-day actions and for our long-term decision-making.
What we do at Children First
Working with professionals
We provide information, advice and resources to support professionals in Scotland to keep children safe.
Careers
Work with us to keep children safe and make a vital difference. Find the role for you and help us protect Scotland’s children.
Our history
In 1884, Children First began with the words “If not us, then who?” a call to action which is as important to us today, as it was then.
