CHILDREN 1ST

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CHILDREN 1^ST is the working name of the Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, which for 125 years has been working to give every child in Scotland a safe and secure childhood. We support families under stress, protect children from harm and neglect, help them to recover from abuse and promote children’s rights and interests.

Our Mission

CHILDREN 1^ST works to give  every child in Scotland a safe and secure childhood.

More about our work

Abuse recovery: We believe that abuse in childhood must not be allowed to cloud the rest of a childs life. Healing must happen and children given hope again for their future. Abuse recovery services however are often the least funded. We want children to be able to get the help they need when they need it.

Child witnesses: Children recovering from abuse have told us that the trial is often as bad as the abuse. We are continuing to campaign for further change to ensure that children can give their best evidence in court and that justice is not denied them because of their age and trust in adults.

An end to physical punishment of children: One of our longstanding campaigns is for an end to the hitting of children. Yes children need boundaries and rules to be safe and happy, but adults need to recognise that hitting children is harmful and does not make them better children. We want protection for children from physical punishment and the promotion of non-violent means of discipline to parents.

Making child protection everyones responsibility: Children depend on adults to keep them safe. Most adults want to be people that children can trust, and want everyone to be able to play their part.

Supporting families: Much of the practical work we do with children is far more effective when it is carried out in partnership with their parents. We believe that all families should be able to get help before things reach crisis point, and want to see more non-stigmatising, easily accessible support services available across Scotland.

Please see our website for up-to-date information on our campaigning activities.