The Children & Young People's Rights Service
The Children & Young People's Rights Service works to promote and uphold the rights of children and young people in need, particularly those who are living away from home in foster or residential care. With staff based in Moray and East Lothian, CHILDREN 1ST provides an independent service. We offer children and young people information and advice and help to ensure their voices are heard by providing advocacy. We support them to express their views about the issues that affect their lives.
Claire and Rebecca, aged 6 and 12, were living with foster carers because their mum had serious health problems. Their mum felt ready to have them home full-time and a Children's Hearing was held to decide what was best for the girls. Rebecca was unsure about whether she wanted to go back to her mum. She was worried about whether her mum was well enough to look after her and Claire.
Our children's rights worker was asked to help the girls work out what they wanted to happen and to talk about their wishes and feelings. She attended the Hearing with them to help them put forward their views. Mum's health had improved considerably. Claire and Rebecca's wishes were taken seriously. It was decided it was right for them to go back home.
Rebecca wrote to our children's rights worker 'Thank you for your letter it was very nice. We are all happy because I'm going to be at home all the time. Did you enjoy the hearing? I did. Were you tired after the hearing? I wasn't. See you soon.'
If you would like to access this service, you can find contact details in our Services Contact List.
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