Coronavirus (COVID-19): children, young people and families - evidence and intelligence report

Introduction

1. This is the third report from the Scottish Government with SOLACE and other partners to provide an overview of the evidence on the impact of COVID-19 and the associated lockdown measures for children, young people and families, in particular for those experiencing the greatest challenges. A wide range of evidence sources were reviewed (references are detailed at the end of the report) and thanks are due to the many organisations (detailed in Annex A) who contributed to this report.

2. A COVID-19 Children and Families Collective Leadership Group involving senior leaders across the children's sector was established in May to review intelligence about the impacts on children, young people and families and to provide local and national leadership in delivering a response. The intelligence includes weekly data reports from the 32 Chief Officer Groups and Police Scotland and broader evidence reports. Two evidence reports were published on 24 April^[1] and 24 May^[2]. The Leadership Group considered this latest, third report at its meeting on 9 July.

3. Activities across services for children and families are included in the Scottish Government's C-19 Framework for Decision Making: Scotland's route map through and out of the crisis^[3] (updated 18 June). Moving along this 'route map' creates challenges, as well as potential opportunities, to chart a way forward to support Scotland's children, young people and families, as part of our continued commitment to Getting it right for every child.

4. This evidence report aims to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 on children, young people and their families in Scotland and help inform national and local action. The first section below sets out the central importance of children's rights, followed by sections detailing the evidence regarding:

A. Trends in data on vulnerable children

B. Views and experiences of children and young people

C. Impact on families

D. Impact on service delivery

E. Conclusion