Family law
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UNCRC statutory guidance: consultation analysis - child friendly report
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 requires Ministers to publish statutory guidance on Parts 2 and 3 of the Act. This easy read report provides an analysis of consultation responses received on the draft guidance and sets out key findings and feedback from children and young people.
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Legal aid reform: discussion paper
Sets out three key strands of work we will undertake in 2025 to 2026 to improve legal aid: simplification of the judicare service delivery model; research on and reform of legal aid fees; engagement with stakeholders to develop a reformed future legal assistance system.
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The Promise Story of Progress: How is Scotland doing in its progress towards keeping the promise?
A national report co-authored by COSLA, The Scottish Government and The Promise Scotland, presenting the shared approach to understanding progress towards keeping The Promise.
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Children (Scotland) Act 2020 - section 23(1) and section 24(1): sixth report on Scottish Ministers' duties
Sixth 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.
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Civil justice statistics in Scotland 2022-23
Statistics on civil law cases in the Scottish courts together with other related information, such as statistics from the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Historic forced adoption - scoping study: final report
Research to scope the support needs of people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Legal services reform
Bill to improve transparency and accountability of legal sector
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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
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Rent freeze focus of Programme for Government
Ministers act to protect people in cost crisis.
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New Bairns’ Hoose appointment
Post will drive improvements for children.
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New vision for justice
Victims placed at the heart of ensuring just, safe, and resilient communities.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Supporting the legal profession
Funding of up to £20 million available for solicitors.
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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.
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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.
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UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Bill to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights.
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Law of succession: consultation response
Our response to the consultation on the law of succession.
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Criminal trials during COVID-19 outbreak
Discussion paper published ahead of talks and update to Parliament.
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Parliament asked to back emergency Coronavirus Bill
New powers outlined for justice, public services and the economy
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Civil Partnership Bill introduced
More choice for mixed sex couples.
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Children Bill published
Modernising family justice.
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Civil partnerships consultation: outcome
Our response outlining the way forward for the future of civil partnership in Scotland.
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Review of family law
Prioritising children’s interests in family court cases when parents separate.