Children's Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment

Change Tack with Cashback

Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment

Part 1 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 requires all Scottish Ministers to;

Give better or further effect to the requirements if the UNCRC
Take account of the relevant views of children if which they are aware

Promote public awareness and understanding of the rights of children
Report every three years to the Scottish Parliament on what they have done to fulfil these duties

Part 2 of the act requires local authorities, health boards and other public bodies to report every three years on the steps they have taken to secure better or further effect of the requirements of the UNCRC

GIRFEC is Scotland’s approach to improving the wellbeing of children and young people, with ‘wellbeing’ defined by 8 indicators listed in s.96(2) of the 2014 Act. These indicators – Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible and Included – were developed from the UNCRC

Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) of legislation and policy in Scotland is a tool that can help to inform and meet these duties.

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is a leading sail training charity. Through adventurous residential sailing voyages and shore based group development, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, we support young people aged 12-25 realise their full potential.

Over 600 young people from a diverse range of backgrounds sail with us each year for 5 or 7 days at a time. Working with groups and individuals, we support schools, young carers, youth groups, young people with additional support needs, sailing clubs and many more.

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland began as part of the Ocean Youth Club in the 1960’s, in 1999 however it was established as an independent Scottish Charity.

Vision – We believe all young people, regardless of circumstance or ability, should have the opportunity to realise their full potential in order for them to live healthy, fulfilling lives, making a positive contribution to their community and their society in general.

Mission – We exist to inspire young people through the challenge of youth work on the waves. Our voyages provide a uniquely powerful and effective environment for the personal development of young people from all backgrounds.

Our voyages help young people to;

Build self-confidence
Develop problem solving and leadership skills
Experience the need for team work
Develop social and life skills
Gain an awareness of our environment
Experience healthy living
Develop a sense of community
Make new friends

We are committed to providing opportunities for everyone.

What aspects of the policy/measure will affect children and young people up to the age of 18?

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland offers young people aged 12-25 the opportunity to take part in sail training.

Around 80% of the young people engaging with the Trust are aged between 12 & 18.

What impact – direct or indirect – will the policy/measure have on children and young people?

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland offers a range of programmes for young people. An intensive one off voyage, an employability programme where young people can gain SQA qualifications, Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions and “On Board with Cashback” which is a longer term development programme created with and for young people who are at risk of antisocial behaviours, offending/reoffending or entering the justice system; and at increasing attainment and attendance in school.

Through all of the programmes young people can gain personally, socially and emotionally, build their confidence and resilience, confidence and resilience, benefit from support networks and reduce risk taking behaviours

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child provides the framework which OYT Scotland operates, young people benefit both directly (through support with their rights) and indirectly, by the very nature of the work OYT Scotland does.

Which groups of children and young people will be affected?

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is a national organisation working with many groups of young people from all backgrounds.

“On Board with Cashback” targets young people who

Live in the highest areas of deprivation in Scotland (SIMD 1 and SIMD1)
Who have low attainment and education in school
Are at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour
Are already involved with the criminal justice system

Which children and young people does this CRWIA affect?

Change Tack with Cashback is an early intervention programme. For this reason, the programme targets 12-15 year olds who;

Live in the highest areas of deprivation in Scotland (SIMD 1 and SIMD1)
Who have low attainment and education in school

Are at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour
Are already involved with the criminal justice system

Will this require a CRWIA?

Due to the different groups of young people OYT Scotland works with it is clear a CRWIA will be of benefit.

Which UNCRC articles are relevant to the programme?

Article 2 – Non-discrimination

Children should not be discriminated against in the enjoyment of their rights. No child should be discriminated against because of their situation or status of their parent/carers

Article 3 – Best Interests of the child

Every decision and action taken relating to a child must be in their best interests. Governments must take all appropriate legislative and administrative measures to ensure that children have the protection and care necessary for their wellbeing – and that the institutions, services and facilities responsible for their care and protection conform with established standards.

Article 6 – Life, survival and development

Every child has a right to life and to develop their full potential

Article 12 – Respect the views of the child

Every child has the right to express their views and have them given full weight in accordance with their age and maturity. Children should be provided with the opportunity to be heard, either directly or through a representative or appropriate body.

Article 15 – Freedom of Association (CIVIL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS)

Every child has the right to freedom of assembly: to meet with other children, and to join groups and organisations, as long as it does not stop others from enjoying their rights

Article 29 – Goals of Education (EDUCATION, LEISURE AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES)

Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to their fullest potential. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, their origins and identity, for other cultures around the worlds, and for the natural environment.

Article 31 – Leisure, play and culture (EDUCATION, LEISURE AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES)

Every child has a right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities, and to take part in a range of cultural and artistic activities

Article 42 – Knowledge of rights (GENERAL MEASURES OF IMPLEMENTATION)

Governments undertake to make the principles and provisions of the UNCRC widely known, by appropriate and active means, to adults and children alike.

What impact will the policy/measure have on children’s rights?

The policy will have a positive impact on the rights of the children and young people that Ocean Youth Trust Scotland work with.

Will there be different impacts on different groups of children and young people?

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland’s Cashback for Communities programme works with young people aged 12-15 from all over Scotland. The majority are from SIMD 1 & 2 areas and benefit from significant support in understanding therefor improving their health and well-being.

In the early stages of engagement, an assessment in undertaken with each group to consider what the best angle is for the foundation of the programme. For example, some groups may benefit more from the programme being focused on navigation away from crime, so may benefit more from concentrating on mental-health, or a mixture of both.

All children and young people are seen as and treated as individuals and take part in one to one sessions with youth workers. These sessions are aimed to identify any additional support needed.

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland aims to provide all young people with new experiences and new skills that can be transferred to their everyday lives, we provide opportunities to gain nationally recognised awards and we support entry into positive destinations.

Each individual young person will get something different from the programme but all will receive the same support, encouragement and nurturing to realise and achieve their potential.

Will there be different impacts on different groups of children and young people?

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland offers four different programmes to young people from a variety of different backgrounds.

Youth Voyage – schools and youth organisations, one off voyage
Employability Voyage – schools and youth organisations offering young people the choice to gain qualifications through non-formal education, a one-off voyage
Duke of Edinburgh Voyage – a one off voyage allowing young people a chance to gain Duke of Edinburgh awards
“On Board with Cashback” – a longer term development programme funded by Cashback for Communities, one voyage and a range of group development sessions with a youth development worker. The majority of young are from SIMD 1 & 2 areas and benefit from significant support in understanding therefor improving their health and well-being.In the early stages of engagement, an assessment in undertaken with each group to consider what the best angle is for the foundation of the programme. For example, some groups may benefit more from the programme being focussed on navigation away from crime, so may benefit more from concentrating on mental-health, or a mixture of both.

Each individual young person will get something different from the programme but all will receive the same support, encouragement and nurturing to realise and achieve their potential.

If a negative impact is assessed for any area of rights or any group of children and young people, what options have you considered to modify the proposal, or mitigate the impact?

Children and young people are at the heart of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and play a significant role in determining the future of the Trust. Feedback is ongoing throughout the programme both through formal and informal evaluation channels. Feedback is monitored regularly by Youth Development workers who adapt and modify practice as and when required.

How will the policy/measure contribute to the wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland?

Ocean Youth Trust Programmes are guided but the National Youth Work Outcomes and Skills Framework. Programmes have been carefully designed to ensure they focus on these skills and outcomes.

All staff and volunteers are expected to complete the RYA’s “Safe and fun” training which highlights child protection issues and procedures. The trust has two welfare officers. All staff involved in the delivery of youth work are also expect to complete the CRWIA training tool.

The programmes use sailing as a tool for personal development in children and young people. The voyages prove to be an excellent base for youth work. A real sense of community is built on our boats with young people, groups leaders, youth workers and sailing staff all working together to reach the same goal. All on board are fully responsible for the voyage, from putting up sails and navigating to cooking and cleaning the toilets.

On shore workshops are designed to give young people the space and opportunity to reflect on the lives they are leading and to give support where the young people feel it is needed. These range from sessions specific to young people rights to outdoor activities (paddle boarding, kayaking, climbing).

How will the policy/measure give better or further effect to the implementation of the UNCRC in Scotland?

The UNCRC is evident right across all of our programmes.

We offer access to opportunities and activities that the young people we work with may never otherwise be able to engage in, sailing, outdoor activities and youth work sessions. Young people are involved in both the design of their programme and at times the delivery of their programme.

Following the Curriculum for Excellence, Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is partnered with the RYA, The SQA and the John Muir Trust. This allows us to deliver qualifications to young people who have low attainment and attendance in traditional education.

The programme is evaluated both internally and externally. Evidence collected suggests that it has a positive impact on the confidence, wellbeing, resilience and behaviour and attitude of the majority of the young people who engage.

What evidence have you used to inform your assessment? What does it tell you?

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland has used Catch the Light as our external evaluators for the Cashback for Communities Programme in Phases 4 and 4. Evidence collected by Catch the Light and Youth Development Workers helps direct the future of the Trusts programmes.

We submit quarterly and annual reports to the Scottish Government.

Have you consulted with relevant stakeholders?

Consultations have taken place with staff, volunteers, ex participants, Board of Directors, Youth Forum and groups leaders.

Have you involved children and young people in the development of the policy/measure?

The design of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland’s Programmes are influenced by young people who have completed voyages with the Trust. Ex participants sit on our Youth Forum “OYTS Youth Voice. Internal and external evaluation is implemented within the programme and all feedback is taken into account.

This is a live document.

Monitoring and Review bi-annually by YDW/SMT

Authorisation

Policy Lead

Gillian McDiarmid

Senior Youth Development Worker

Date 03/04/2023

General Manager

Hazel Wiseman

Chief Executive Officer

Date 03/04/2023

CRWIA – training tool – this relates to the training tool which all staff and volunteers will have completed when working as part of the CashBack programme.

 SG Materials for further reference.