Children, young people, and families are the heart of Scotland’s society.
Within national children and families’ policies, we see that experience with the care system, mental health and well-being, and poverty all stand as clear pillars of importance. The past few months have seen a handful of updates from the Scottish Government regarding these topics including the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022-26 and ongoing dialogue from the Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Joint Delivery Board.
Over three days in early October, Holyrood’s Children and Families Festival will focus on these core aspects of policy that affect broad sections of Scottish society daily.
Day 1: #KeepThePromise
Now, two years since the Independent Care Review announced The Promise and just six months since the Scottish Government published their #KeepThePromise Implementation Plan, it is an appropriate time to examine strides made so far, and look at the work that still needs to be done. The day will consist of sessions focused on different elements found within The Promise, including whole family support, the journey of children in care, and building a structure of change.
Day 2: Mental Health & Wellbeing
The second day of the Festival will focus on the vital issue of mental health and well-being of children, young people, and families. Sessions will concentrate on the toll of COVID-19 on families, children’s mental health and wellness, and perinatal mental health.
Day 3: Poverty
The third and final day of Holyrood’s Children and Families Festival will focus on the growing problem of poverty and inequality within Scotland. The first two sessions will concentrate on the exploding cost-of-living crisis occurring across the United Kingdom and how families within Scotland are feeling the effects of increased energy costs and food insecurity. The latter half of the day will address the topic of child poverty. We will use Holyrood Magazine’s fictional “Holyrood Baby,” Kirsty, to unpack the policies currently affecting Scottish children and their families.
