Young people supported by Children First’s Ayrshire Bairns Hoose launch new research on anniversary of landmark children’s rights law
Two years ago, the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act came into force, marking a historic step forward for children’s rights in Scotland.
Children First is proud to play a leading role, alongside partners across the sector, in championing children’s rights and helping drive change. This includes shaping the development of Scotland’s Bairns Hoose model through the voices and experiences of children affected by abuse and trauma.
On this significant anniversary, young people supported by Children First’s Ayrshire Bairns Hoose have launched insightful research to improve the experiences of other children and young people who have had to navigate the justice system after being a victim of or witness to a crime.
Their work is a powerful example of children and young people exercising their right to be heard and influencing positive change.
In the blog below, the young researchers share what they learned and why they believe change is needed.
"We know what feels right for other children" – young people shaping the future of Bairns Hoose in Ayrshire
“We are Lily, Brooke, Haley and Mia, a group of young people who have carried out research across Ayrshire to help improve things for children and young people in the future.
“Each of us has been supported by Children First’s Ayrshire Bairns Hoose. Through that support, we were given the space, confidence and encouragement to turn our experiences into action.
“Our research is built on a simple idea: children and young people who have lived through these systems understand what helps, what hurts and what needs to change.
“As Lily says in her research: "We are the ones with the experience and will be the ones remembering."
What we did
“Across our projects, we spoke to children and young people who have been through interviews, recovery services and the justice system. We also met professionals including police officers, social workers, senior managers from Health and Social Care Partnerships and leaders within Children First.
“We asked honest questions about what it is like to tell your story, attend an interview and access support afterwards.
“We also spoke to people helping shape Bairns Hoose nationally and locally. They told us that meaningful change can only happen when children and young people are involved from the start.
One manager told us: "Without children's voices it's a bunch of adults coming up with good ideas, not checking what's most important."
What we learned
“The message was clear: spaces matter, relationships matter, choice matters and the justice system isn’t child-friendly.
“Brooke's research found that many interview spaces in Ayrshire feel cold, noisy and intimidating. Some are difficult to find, lack privacy and were never designed with children in mind.
“For many young people, cameras can feel overwhelming – these need to be more discreet. Not knowing what to expect before an interview can increase anxiety and make a difficult experience even harder.
“As Lily said: “No child should have to go through an interview that makes their experience worse.”
“To help tackle this, Lily gathered ideas from other children and young people about how better preparation could help them feel more confident and informed. Brooke also wrote a friendly letter for children and young people to read before going to an interview to help them understand what to expect.
“We also heard how much difference trusted relationships can make.
“Haley's research showed that relationships matter, not only for children and young people, but for the staff supporting them. When trust is built first, everything else becomes easier.
“Children First Chief Executive Mary told Haley that she looks for “courage, imagination and kindness” in Bairns Hoose staff.
“And they are amazing. The people make a difference, but the environment matters too. As Lily said in her research: "The space really let it down."
“No matter how caring the adults are, children deserve surroundings that make them feel safe, comfortable and respected.
Why Bairns Hoose matters
“Our research found that the justice system can still be too complex, too slow and at times, harmful. Mia's research highlighted the impact this can have on children and young people who are already coping with trauma. That needs to change.
“A Bairns Hoose helps because it brings together all the services needed under one roof, so that children don’t need to keep repeating their experiences or travel between different buildings.
“For us, Bairns Hoose is about much more than brick walls.
“It is about creating spaces that children have helped shape. Spaces where children feel safe, listened to and understood.
Looking ahead
“We want spaces that feel welcoming rather than cold and unfriendly. We want every child to receive the same high-quality support.
“Many of the young people we spoke to imagined a homely place with quiet rooms, discreet technology, spaces to chill and where all support services are available together.
“With the support of Bairns Hoose and Children First, we have used our voices to recommend how things can be made better.
“Now we hope that decision makers will listen.
“We hope they will read our research and work with us and other children and young people to make things better. We hope they will invest in a dedicated Bairns Hoose space for Ayrshire and maybe one day smaller spaces across Ayrshire too.
“Most of all, we hope they will turn these ideas into action so that every child who needs support receives it in a way that helps them feel safe, heard and respected.”