Advice line
Our free legal advice service is provided via telephone and email, on all aspects of Scots law relating to children and young people. We’re here to help if you are a parent, relative or carer, a professional who works with or for children and have a question about any aspect of child law.
We can advise on matters related to parental responsibilities and rights, residence, contact, children’s rights, youth offending, education, health, social work, confidentiality and access to files. Our advice line is open Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4pm
Training
We are a recognised leader in the provision of training on children’s rights and the law as it affects children in Scotland.
Our training courses and masterclasses are designed to take account of the very latest legislation and good practice guidelines and delivered by our solicitors.
Courses are designed to work in combination and as standalone courses.
Youth hour
If you are under 21 and want to talk to someone about how the law affects you, our advice line is open Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4pm.
You can contact us anytime or you may wish to call us during our dedicated “Youth Hour” which takes place every Tuesday and Thursday between 12 and 1 o’clock.
During this time, our solicitors only take calls from children and young people.
About us
SCLC is a Scottish charity that provides free legal information by qualified solicitors on all aspects of Scots law relating to children and young people across Scotland.
We can advise on matter related to parental responsibilities and rights, residence, contact, children’s rights, youth offenders, education, health, social work and access to files.
We do this by telephone or email. Unlike other advice services, all our calls and emails are answered by fully qualified solicitors and our advice is impartial, confidential and child centred.
All queries received by the Centre are confidential. We will not provide your personal information to anyone else unless required to do so by law or if we think you or another person is at risk of significant harm.
To find out more or how we manage information we hold on you, please request to see our confidentiality and child protection policy and our GDPR policy.
Our latest news
Representing care experienced children & young people in police custody: A good practice guide
We know that children with care experience are more likely than their peers to experience police contact and criminalisation, despite no evidence that they commit greater offences than other children. They are also less likely to receive support at the police station...
The UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill
The SCLC welcomes the passing of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill. The Scottish Parliament unanimously passed the Bill on 16th March 2021. The Bill will come into force 6 months after receiving Royal Assent and we look forward to undertaking work with other...
Lord President Guidance 13 January 2021
Lord President issued his updated Guidance on COVID-19 and compliance with court orders in January 2020. To read this version of the guidance please follow the link below...
Get involved
There are lots of ways that you can support Scottish Child Law Centre – from volunteering, making a donation to fundraising and becoming a member.