From 1884, policy work and political campaigning have underpinned our work.
In 1889 we achieved our first legislative change for children with the passing of the Children’s Charter. Today, our commitment to protect and fulfil all children’s rights in legislation, policy and practice is stronger than ever.
Today’s children and young people face unprecedented threats to their safety and wellbeing. This needs to stop. They need us to act.
Our team is dedicated to demonstrating the quality and impact of our work with children and families, while championing their voices through meaningful participation work.
We work alongside local services to understand what matters to children and families. We then work with politicians, sector stakeholders and the media to share our expertise, evidence and frontline experience with a focus on making things better for children and families now and in the future.
A manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament
Children First, has launched our manifesto for the 2026 Holyrood elections, calling on the next Scottish Government to 'put children first.' With Scotland facing a national childhood emergency, the next Government must take urgent action to protect children from harm and safeguard childhood. Based on the voices and experiences of children, young people and families, the manifesto sets out bold, achievable steps to deliver whole family support, roll out the Bairns Hoose model and address the growing threat of online harm to build a bright, safe future for every child.
