Inverclyde Council will be asked to formally endorse and adopt the Forces Children’s Rights Charter at a summit later this week.
Councillor Graeme Brooks has submitted a motion requesting the local authority declares its support for a document recognising specific challenges faced by children and young people from military backgrounds.
The text, which has been seconded by Councillor David Wilson, has called for “continued awareness” of their needs when implementing policy across council services and with partner organisations.
The motion will be considered by elected members at Thursday’s full council meeting. It states: “Council welcomes the contribution made by armed forces families within Inverclyde.
“Council recognises that children of the armed forces can experience unique challenges arising from high mobility, parental deployment, separation, and transitions between schools and communities.
“Council notes the work undertaken across Scotland by charities such as Forces Children Scotland to support babies, children and young people from armed forces families.
“Council further notes the principles of the Forces Children’s Rights Charter and its importance in recognising the rights of children and young people from regular, reservist and veteran families.”
If backed by a majority of elected members, the local authority will also agree to communicate support for the charter to schools and community planning partners and facilitate the opportunity for Forces Children Scotland to engage with children’s services on the issue.
Speaking about the charter on its website, the charity writes: “Babies, children and young people from armed forces families live extraordinary lives. Their experiences help them develop courage, adaptability and energy.
“But strength is not the same as not needing support. All children thrive when the adults and systems around them listen, care and act on what they are told, and forces children are no different.
“That’s why, led by children and young people from forces families themselves, the Forces Children’s Rights Charter was created: outlining what needs to change so every forces child is seen, heard and supported.”
