Scotland's Population Health Framework: Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment

Conclusion

5. 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 approach taken by the Population Health Framework is strongly aligned with the UNCRC. It supports children’s rights holistically by addressing the underlying conditions for health and wellbeing through preventative, equity-led approach.

As the Framework moves into implementation, impact assessments including Child’s Rights and Wellbeing Assessments will be undertaken for individual actions and policies where required. This will ensure that children’s rights are fully considered and that the Framework’s delivery continues to uphold and advance the rights and wellbeing of all children and young people.

6. 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 PHF has the clear potential to positively impact children’s rights by promoting equity, access to services and lead to improve health outcomes from early life onwards. By addressing the wider determinants of health, the Framework supports children’s right to the highest attainable standard of health, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. As well as reinforcing the principle that every child has the right to grow up in an environment that nurtures their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. In prioritising prevention and reducing health inequalities, the Framework contributes to creating fairer opportunities for all children to thrive.

7. 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 any potential negative impacts 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

8. 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: Yes

Nurtured: Yes

Active: Yes

Respected: Yes

Responsible: Yes

Included: Yes

If yes, please provide an explanation below:

• Safe – Actions to improve housing
• Healthy – Focus on nutrition, physical activity and early intervention.
• Achieving – Support through equitable access to education and health-promoting environments.
• Nurtured – Consideration of maternal and early years support.
• Active – Encouragement of physical activity.
• Respected/Responsible – Wider engagement with communities to support wellbeing.
• Included – Reduction of inequalities and targeting the most disadvantaged groups.

9. 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.