Tackling child poverty delivery plan 2022-2026 - annex 8: children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment

8. How will the impact of the policy/measure be monitored?

The Tackling Child Poverty Evaluation strategy sets out how we will monitor and evaluate action taken by the Scottish Government and its partners to meet the four ambitious targets for 2030, as set out in the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017.

There are three key elements of assessment:

1. Monitoring child poverty

Data for the four child poverty targets are published annually.

2. Monitoring the drivers of child poverty

A refreshed Child Poverty Measurement Framework has been developed to monitor how the drivers of poverty (e.g. parental employment levels) are changing over time. It will be reported on annually.

3. Assessing the impact of policies and external factor on poverty and its drivers

This includes consideration of external factors (e.g. demographic change) and monitors not only how, but why drivers have changed.

The measurement framework is used to produce annual reports of the drivers and impacts. The framework has recently been reviewed to check that it continues to use the best indicators and data. An updated measurement framework is published alongside this document to support the progress reports for the second delivery plan.

We also plan to produce a periodic review of wellbeing outcomes for low income households to capture longer term impacts.

Cumulative impact assessment allows us to assess the impact of the package of policies on the targets. This cumulative impact modelling has allowed us to set out the impacts of a range of policies from the first plan period. We will continue to use UKMOD to allow scenario development and cumulative impact assessment of policies to help us move towards the targets.

For more details on the Tackling Child Poverty evaluation strategy.

The Plan sets out a plan to develop pathfinders, testing how system change can happen in a place-based approach to deliver more person-centred support, beginning in Dundee and Glasgow. In the coming year, additional areas will be identified and approaches will be tested and refined. Key to this initiative will be a focus on data collection, and analysis to ensure the policies are effective. Evidence generated through the initial pathfinders process will inform the monitoring and future delivery of the Plan.

The Plan is committed to Keeping the Promise to care experienced children and young people. The Plan seeks to directly impact the drivers of child poverty, and we know that reducing poverty levels can have an influence on the rates of children and young people coming into care, reducing pressure in families and thereby reducing incidents which lead to intervention by social work services. As well as being measured through the Tackling Child Poverty evaluation strategy, we expect the impacts of the Plan to be reflected in the progress of The Promise. Note that The Promise connects directly with UNCRC 20 and 25.

The Plan is also closely interlinked with the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund. The Fund seeks system-wide change which includes ensuring that the right support is available to children and families at the right time and for as long as it is needed. The evaluation approach is currently in development in consultation with stakeholders.

The Plan aligns with GIRFEC, Scotland's national approach to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. The Plan will impact across all of the children's wellbeing indicators, providing a cross-portfolio response and setting out measures to immediately tackle child poverty and pursue preventative action. It will particularly impact on 'Included'as tackling child poverty will enable children to fully participate in society. 'Nurtured' is also impacted by the policies which focus on access to warm, affordable homes. The Plan's consultation with children and young people, and stakeholders representing their interests, reflects the 'Respected' indicator.

The Tackling Child Poverty evaluation strategy will connect with work to develop an Outcomes Framework for Children, Young People and Families. The Framework will be rooted in GIRFEC, children's rights, and what children and families tell us matters to them. It aims to enhance our understanding of the collective impact from a wide range of policies, services and frontline practice focused on improving outcomes.