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CHILDREN’S LAW CHARITY SET TO JOIN LEGAL CHALLENGE AGAINST NAMED PERSON SCHEME
Posted 10 years ago
A charity that provides legal help for children is set to join the court battle against the Named Person scheme.
Community Law Advice Network (Clan Childlaw) recognises that the plans could result in children having no expectation of privacy, and could lead to them shunning helplines and advisory services.
Currently information can be shared without a child’s consent if there is a “risk of significant harm” to a child.
But under the Named Person scheme information can be shared if there is simply concern for a child’s ”wellbeing”.
Alison Reid, Principal Solicitor of Clan Childlaw, said: “We all want to make sure that children and young people in Scotland are protected and recognise that when child protection issues arise, these need to be shared appropriately amongst professionals.
“However, where there are no child protection concerns, a child, like anyone else, should be entitled to a level of confidentiality when accessing advice.
“This Act creates a serious risk that children and young people will not access confidential services when they are in need of help.”
In January, judge Lord Pentland dismissed arguments against the Named Person scheme following a four-day judicial review brought by charities and concerned parents.
Clan Childlaw has applied to intervene in the appeal against Lord Pentland’s ruling, which is due to be heard next month.