Clan Childlaw

Open and ready to help

In the next few weeks we will be here to listen, to explain things, answer your questions and help you figure things out. Where we can’t help we will do all we can to direct children and young people to other services. Read more
Coronavirus update

Clan Childlaw to continue to support children and young people but suspend face-to-face meetings and training. Read more
Clan Childlaw wins Pro-Bono Award at The Herald Law Awards of Scotland 2019

We are delighted to have won the Pro-Bono award sponsored by the Law Society of Scotland at The Herald Law Awards on Wednesday 27th November. Read more
Sibling contact

The law as it currently stands does not allow children and young people to easily address sibling separation and contact, especially care experienced children and young people. We are calling for the law to be changed to prioritise sibling relationships. Read more

Get legal help for a child or young person

Information for professionals, support, advocacy, and advice workers or foster carers seeking help with the law or a legal problem for a child or young person they are working with. You will find frequently asked questions, case studies and other information on this page.

Child Law Network

A network established by Clan Childlaw to provide news and updates on child law developments in Scotland

Street Legal

Street Legal is an innovative partnership project between Clan Childlaw and Shelter Scotland, providing free legal advice and representation to young people and families with children who are either experiencing, or at risk of homelessness in Edinburgh.

Strategic litigation resources

A host of strategic litigation resources including articles we've written, presentations from our events, and links to publications and resources from Scotland, the UK and internationally.

Our news

Open and ready to help

In the next few weeks we will be here to listen, to explain things, answer your questions and help you figure things out. Where we can’t help we will do all we can to direct children and young people to other services. Read more
Coronavirus update

Clan Childlaw to continue to support children and young people but suspend face-to-face meetings and training. Read more
Stand Up For Siblings marks two year anniversary

It’s been a busy two years since Stand Up For Siblings launched in March 2018 Read more

Our blog articles

Should it be mandatory for judges to explain court decisions to children?

Rebecca Scott, Managing Solicitor at Clan, discusses changes proposed in the Children (Scotland) Bill that would place a duty on courts to ensure decisions are explained to children - and argues it should be judges themselves who speak or write to children Read more
Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019 - from 29th November under 12s can no longer be referred to Hearings on offence grounds

From 29th November 2019, children who commit an offence when aged under 12 will no longer be able to be referred to a Children’s Hearing on offence grounds. They can only be referred on care and protection grounds. Read more
My time as a Justice First Fellow

Ahead of welcoming another Justice First Fellowship trainee at Clan Childlaw, we take the opportunity to ask our solicitor, Jenna, about her experience as Justice First Fellow. Read more