Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment - updated April 2025

Impact on wellbeing: does or will the relevant proposal contribute to the wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland?

Further information about the wellbeing indicators can be found on the Scottish Government website

The indicators where there will be an improvement in wellbeing are:

• nurtured - growing, developing and being cared for in an environment which provides the physical and emotional security, compassion and warmth necessary for healthy growth and to develop resilience and a positive identity
• respected - being involved in and having their voices heard in decisions that affect their life, with support where appropriate
• responsible - having opportunities and encouragement to play active and responsible roles at home, in school and in the community, and where necessary, having appropriate guidance and supervision
• included - having help to overcome inequalities and being accepted as part of their family, school and community

The indicators where there will no impact on wellbeing are:

• achieving - being supported and guided in learning and in the development of skills, confidence and self-esteem, at home, in school and in the community
• active - having opportunities to take part in activities such as play, recreation and sport, which contribute to healthy growth and development, at home, in school and in the community
• safe - growing up in an environment where a child or young person feels secure, nurtured, listened to and enabled to develop to their full potential (this includes freedom from abuse or neglect)
• healthy - having the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health, access to suitable healthcare, and support in learning to make healthy and safe choices

Nurtured: The provisions in the Bill relating to liability of appointees will ensure that children and young people who have appointees can be confident that they are offered the same protections as others who have parents or other types of representatives acting on their behalf. The provisions to allow DWP appointees to be recognised will provide children and young people with financial security and avoid potential delays.

Respected: The principle of respect for the dignity of individuals is at the heart of the Scottish social security system. The provisions in the Bill will further embed these principles, recognising that all people, including young people have the opportunity and right to be heard and be involved in decisions that affect them. The Bill aims to bolster these commitments to ensure that there is no doubt regarding current policy and processes and to ensure that children and young people are treated with dignity, fairness and respect throughout their interactions with the Scottish social security system. Responsible: The re-determinations and appeals provisions aim to give further autonomy to children and young people. Having the opportunity to be heard and involved in decisions which affect children and young people will mean greater ownership and responsibility for their own affairs, which could lessen anxiety for those that are vulnerable or have challenging circumstances when seeking to challenge a benefit entitlement. Included: The provisions in the Bill will mean that young can challenge decisions that impact them, which may help children and young people to overcome social and economic inequalities or feeling of exclusion in society. This will facilitate children and young people feeling more considered in Social Security Scotland outcomes and establish a positive relationship, inspiring confidence in the challenge rights process.