Family law

  1. Child protection learning and development 2024: national framework

    Framework to support multi-agency learning and development relevant to child protection in Scotland. This highlights key learning for all workforces according to the level of responsibility they have for child protection.

  2. Historic forced adoption - scoping study: research findings

    A summary of findings from research to scope the support needs of people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.

  3. Historic forced adoption - scoping study: service delivery paper

    Research report identifying critical factors to consider when designing services for people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.

  4. Historic forced adoption - scoping study: final report

    Research to scope the support needs of people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.

  5. Education: National Improvement Framework and improvement plan 2024

    Sets out the vision and priorities for Scottish education that have been agreed across the system, and the national improvement activity that needs to be undertaken to help deliver those key priorities.

  6. Children (Scotland) Act 2020 - section 23(1) and section 24(1): fifth report on the Scottish Ministers' duties

    Fifth report on the Scottish Ministers' duties under section 23(1) (funding for alternative dispute resolution) and section 24(1) (pilot scheme for mandatory alternative dispute resolution meetings) of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020.

  7. National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 - updated 2023

    This guidance describes the responsibilities and expectations for all involved in protecting children and will support the care and protection of children.

  8. Women's Justice Leadership Panel: report

    This report "The Case for Gendered and Intersectional Approaches to Justice" summarises the work of the Women’s Justice Leadership Panel, their thematic discussions, and their key findings. The remit of the Panel was to demonstrate that the experience of women in the justice system is different to men, and to promote consistent understanding of gendered issues.

  9. Civil justice statistics in Scotland 2021-22

    Statistics on civil law cases in the Scottish courts together with other related information, such as statistics from the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey.

  10. Children (Scotland) Act 2020 - section 23(1) and section 24(1): fourth report on the Scottish Ministers' duties

    Fourth report on the Scottish Ministers' duties under section 23(1) (funding for alternative dispute resolution) and section 24(1) (pilot scheme for mandatory alternative dispute resolution meetings) of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020.

  11. Legal services reform

    Bill to improve transparency and accountability of legal sector

  12. Diversion from prosecution: joint review

    A joint review of diversion from prosecution carried out by HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland and the Care Inspectorate

  13. Rent freeze focus of Programme for Government

    Ministers act to protect people in cost crisis.

  14. New Bairns’ Hoose appointment

    Post will drive improvements for children.

  15. New vision for justice

    Victims placed at the heart of ensuring just, safe, and resilient communities.

  16. Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020: fifth report on marriage and civil partnership

    Fifth two-monthly report to the Scottish Parliament on the steps taken to ensure that the solemnisation of marriages and registration of civil partnerships continues to be available and on the number of marriages and civil partnerships that have taken place during the two month reporting period.

  17. The Special Restrictions on Adoptions from Nigeria (Scotland) Order 2021: CRWIA 1

    A special restriction on intercountry adoptions from Nigeria has been implemented due to significant child safeguarding concerns about practices and procedures in the Nigerian intercountry adoption system.

  18. The Special Restrictions on Adoptions from Nigeria (Scotland) Order 2021: EQIA Results

    A special restriction on intercountry adoptions from Nigeria has been implemented due to significant child safeguarding concerns about practices and procedures in the Nigerian intercountry adoption system.

  19. The Special Restrictions on Adoptions from Nigeria (Scotland) Order 2021: CRWIA 3

    A special restriction on intercountry adoptions from Nigeria has been implemented due to significant child safeguarding concerns about practices and procedures in the Nigerian intercountry adoption system.

  20. The Special Restrictions on Adoptions from Nigeria (Scotland) Order 2021: FSD Assessment

    A special restriction on intercountry adoptions from Nigeria has been implemented due to significant child safeguarding concerns about practices and procedures in the Nigerian intercountry adoption system.

  21. Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020: fourth report on marriage and civil partnership

    Fourth two-monthly report to the Scottish Parliament on the steps taken to ensure that the solemnisation of marriages and registration of civil partnerships continues to be available and on the number of marriages and civil partnerships that have taken place during the two month reporting period.

  22. Supporting the legal profession

    Funding of up to £20 million available for solicitors.

  23. Cross-EU border civil and commercial legal cases from 1 January 2021: guidance for legal professionals

    Updated guidance for legal professionals on applicable law and on jurisdiction and recognition and enforcement of judgments in cross-EU border civil and commercial legal cases from 1 January 2021.

  24. Cross-EU border family law from 1 January 2021: guidance for legal professionals

    Updated guidance for legal professionals on cross-EU border family law (including divorce and child maintenance) from 1 January 2021.

  25. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

    Bill to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights.

  26. Law of succession: consultation response

    Our response to the consultation on the law of succession.

  27. Criminal trials during COVID-19 outbreak

    Discussion paper published ahead of talks and update to Parliament.

  28. Parliament asked to back emergency Coronavirus Bill

    New powers outlined for justice, public services and the economy

  29. Civil Partnership Bill introduced

    More choice for mixed sex couples.

  30. Children Bill published

    Modernising family justice.

  31. Civil partnerships consultation: outcome

    Our response outlining the way forward for the future of civil partnership in Scotland.

  32. Review of family law

    Prioritising children’s interests in family court cases when parents separate.

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