COVID-19: Together joins charities in calling for cash payments in lieu of free school meals

Date: 9th April 2020
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

A joint letter to the First Minister, coordinated by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland and supported by Together, called for a dignified response upon the closure of schools.

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COVID-19: Changes to Scottish Government legislative programme

Date: 9th April 2020
Category:

Various changes to Scottish Government’s legislative programme have been announced in light of COVID-19, including some Bills being delayed or “paused”.

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COVID-19: Scottish Government announces support for individuals and organisations

Date: 9th April 2020
Category: Funding

The Scottish Government will make £350 million available to those facing hardship because of Covid-19, with a focus on supporting welfare and wellbeing.

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COVID-19: Together’s members launch surveys asking children and young people how they feel about COVID-19

Date: 9th April 2020
Category: General principles, Disability, Basic Health and Welfare, Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities, Civil Rights and Freedoms, Family Environment and Alternative Care

Two surveys have been created asking children and young people to voice how they are feeling about the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. The surveys are key to finding out what children and young people need so that they can be supported effectively.

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COVID-19: Scottish Government delays childcare expansion

Date: 9th April 2020
Category: Social security

The expansion of funded Early Learning and Childcare from 600 to 1140 hours per year for eligible children has been delayed in light of COVID-19. Local authorities are no longer bound by the August 2020 deadline.

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COVID-19: Guidance on child contact arrangements

Date: 9th April 2020
Category: Family Environment and Alternative Care

Lord Carloway, the most senior judge in Scotland, has issued guidance on parental contact and family contact orders.

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COVID-19: Scottish Youth Parliament writes to the Scottish Qualifications Authority

Date: 9th April 2020
Category: Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

Schools closures came at a time when many pupils were preparing to sit their exams in May. Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) have written to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) offering to work with it to ensure the voices of young people are at the centre of critical decisions on exams and assessments.

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First reports from public bodies due under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014

Date: 9th April 2020
Category: General measures of implementation

Public bodies are expected to publish their first report this month on what they are doing within Scotland to better secure or give further effect to children’s rights.

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FGM Bill passes Stage 3

Date: 9th April 2020
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

The Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill passed at Stage 3 on the 19 th March 2020.

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Charities call for £10 child benefit increase in light of COVID-19

Date: 9th April 2020
Category: Social security

Nearly 70 organisations and individuals are calling for more support for families. While welcoming steps taken to date to protect incomes during the coronavirus, they say more needs to be done to meet children’s needs and ease financial pressures families are facing.

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