Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment update
Highlights any changes to the anticipated impacts of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill on the rights and wellbeing of children and young people, following Stage 2 of the Bill's parliamentary process.
Background
The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill (“the Bill”) was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 25 April 2023.
The Bill responds to concerns raised about the need to improve the experiences of victims and witnesses within Scotland’s justice system, especially the victims of sexual crime. At the same time, it continues to safeguard the operation and principles of the system and protects the rights of those accused of crime.
A Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) was published when the Bill was introduced to Parliament. The CRWIA considers how the Bill will affect children’s rights and wellbeing. It records the research, analysis and engagement carried out in respect of this and how this informed the development of the Bill
Stage 2 of the Bill’s parliamentary process took place between 12 March 2025 and 2 April 2025. Further information about changes that were made to the Bill during this stage can be found on the Scottish Parliament website.
Contact
Email: VWJRBill@gov.scot