Renfrewshire Council has formally endorsed and adopted the Forces Children's Rights Charter after the motion received unanimous backing from elected members at a full council meeting.
Motion Details and Support
Provost Lorraine Cameron, an SNP representative for Paisley Southwest and the council's armed forces champion, submitted the motion. It was seconded by independent councillor Andy Doig. The charter recognizes the specific challenges faced by children and young people from military backgrounds, such as frequent moves, school changes, periods of separation from parents due to deployment, and the uncertainties of military life.
Provost Cameron stated: "As the armed forces champion, I'm pleased to move this motion which calls on our council to adopt the Forces Children's Rights Charter. As a council, we do already have a long and proud commitment to supporting our armed forces community. In fact, we adopted the Armed Forces Covenant some time ago where we recognised forces families. But I think it's also important that we specifically recognise the unique experiences of children and young people from service families and that's why this is here today."
Impact on Policy and Services
The motion calls for "continued awareness" of the needs of forces children when implementing policy across council services and with partner organisations. The council also agreed to communicate support for the charter to schools and community planning partners, and to facilitate engagement between Forces Children Scotland and children's services on the issue.
Provost Cameron added: "Forces children often face challenges that many of their peers don't, like frequent moves, changes of schools, periods of separation from either or both parents due to deployment and all of the uncertainties that military life can bring with it. That can have a significant impact on their young life, their education, their wellbeing and all of that. This charter has been developed by forces children themselves and by adopting the charter I think we're sending a clear message that Renfrewshire values these young people and understands their unique experiences and we are committed to ensuring that their rights are recognised and respected right across our school life and all of the services for young people."
Background on the Charter
Forces Children Scotland, the charity behind the charter, states on its website: "Babies, children and young people from armed forces families live extraordinary lives. Their experiences help them develop courage, adaptability and energy. But strength is not the same as not needing support. All children thrive when the adults and systems around them listen, care and act on what they are told, and forces children are no different. That's why, led by children and young people from forces families themselves, the Forces Children's Rights Charter was created: outlining what needs to change so every forces child is seen, heard and supported."
