Health and social care - service renewal framework: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

Conclusion

7. As a result of the evidence gathered and analysed against all UNCRC requirements, what is the potential overall impact of this proposal on children’s rights?

The potential overall impact of the SRF on children’s rights is very positive.

8. If you have identified a positive impact on children’s rights, please describe below how the proposal will protect, respect, and fulfil children’s rights in Scotland.

The Service Renewal Framework is designed to create a system of health and social care where services are designed and delivered in ways that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all communities. This includes targeted support for those who face the greatest barriers to accessing care—whether due to geography, socio-economic status, disability, ethnicity, or other factors. (Relevant: Articles 2, 3, 4, 23 and 24)

As a result of the SRF, children should experience more joined up, integrated care with a greater focus on prevention and early intervention - and be more in charge of how this care is delivered, participating in shared decision-making to make informed choices about the treatment and care that is right for them, supported by their representatives as appropriate. (Relevant: Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 23 and 24)

In the future, more treatment and care will be available in local communities or, through better use of technology, even at home. ‘Core front door’ in-person health services, such as their GP and community pharmacy, will have increased capacity and a strengthened role in the system, so children should get greater access to these services when they need them. Furthermore, multi-disciplinary health and social care teams from hospital to home will work together to wrap around the child and their needs, removing the need for them to interact with multiple teams.

If children do need to go into hospital, they will be supported to get home as soon as they are ready, with strong follow-up care and rehabilitation to help them recover well in familiar surroundings. (Relevant: Articles 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 23 and 24) Defined core services and delivery models will ensure equitable access for children living in remote, rural, and island areas. Planning will reflect local needs and ensure consistency in service availability.(Relevant: Articles 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 23 and 24)

9. If a negative impact has been identified please describe it below. Is there a risk this could potentially amount to an incompatibility?

At this stage, no specific negative impacts on children’s rights and wellbeing have been identified. As the Framework moves into delivery, any new legislation or further strategic decisions will require a CRWIA, and if any potential negative impacts arise, they will be considered on that individual action basis.

Mitigation Record

What options have been considered to modify the proposal in order to mitigate a negative impact or potential incompatibility?

No modifications have been identified at this stage due to no negative impacts or potential incompatibility being identified.

Issue or risk identified and relevant UNCRC requirement

N/A

Action Taken/ To Be Taken

N/A

Date action to be taken or was taken

N/A

10. As a result of the evidence gathered and analysed against all wellbeing indicators, will the proposal contribute to the wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland?.

Safe: Yes

Healthy: Yes

Achieving: N/A

Nurtured: Yes

Active: N/A

Respected: Yes

Responsible: N/A

Included: N/A

If yes, please provide an explanation below:

• Safe/healthy/nurtured – Children will have access to the best possible care.

• Respected – Children’s voices will be listened to and respected in how their care is provided.

11. How will you communicate to children and young people the impact that the proposal will have on their rights?

As individual actions within the Framework are further developed, clear and accessible communication will be provided to children and young people where applicable to help them understand how these individual actions affect their rights and wellbeing. The CRWIA will be in the public domain so those wishing to access it can do so. In so far as possible, the CRWIA has been written in accessible language to those reading it can understand its content and the potential impacts identified.