'Voice of the Child' Under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 :
Giving Due Regard for Children's Views in All Matters that
Affect Them : Volume 1 The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 brings
together aspects of family, child care and adoption law that
affect children. The Act seeks to incorporate the 3 key
principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child (UNCRC) – i.e. non- discrimination; a child’s welfare as a
primary consideration; and listening to children’s views, into
Scottish legislation and practice. This ‘mapping paper’
undertakes a detailed analysis of the Act, accompanying
regulations and guidance, asking the following questions: 1. In
relation to which decisions do the views of children need to be
sought? Which children are included in any such requirements? 2.
What processes are specified for ascertaining children’s views?
What weight is given to the child’s views? 3. Is provision made
for feedback to the child?