Embedded Files
Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We stand up for every child because all children should have a safe childhood.
Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We stand up for every child because all children should have a safe childhood.
We protect children from harm and support them to recover from trauma and abuse through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities. We help children, their families and the people that care for them by offering emotional, practical, and financial support.
We believe all children should have hopes, dreams and opportunities. But, for many they don’t exist.
We work with families, funders, supporters, partners and volunteers to put Scotland’s children first. Together we can create a safer, brighter future for all children in Scotland.
Children First and Fit Like?
Children First and Fit Like?
Within Fit Like Family Wellbeing Service, Children First offer whole family support, unique to the individual needs and circumstances, Children First recognise that no two families’ are the same. Children First work with your whole family to determine the right support plan for you, your children, and your wider family needs.
By working with the whole family to identify needs and solutions we will reduce the likelihood of difficulties occurring and of current challenges reoccurring by creating change across the whole family. Children First support is based on the development of a strong and trusting relationship to meet the needs for the whole family. Our aim is to invest our time, energy and resources in a preventative way, with early help building on family strengths and available community supports to provide practical solutions and reduce any barriers faced by families.
Children First Support Line
Children First Support Line
Children First Support Line is a digital family support service available to any family in Scotland, 365 days a year. It offers advice and support to keep children safe and help families build strong relationships. The service is accessible without any criteria or waiting lists and provides information in 26 languages, with interpreter services available.
Parents and carers can use the Support Line for as long as needed, making it a reliable resource at different stages of family life. For 25 years, the Support Line has helped parents and cares with need such as:
Relationship conflicts
Parental mental health
Children's emotional wellbeing
Understanding children's needs and behaviours
The staff are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to support families effectively.
Financial Wellbeing Support
Financial Wellbeing Support
Aligned with the Children First Support Line, parents and carers in Aberdeen City can access expert money and debt advice. This support can be provided over the phone, digitally, or in person. The Financial Wellbeing Service helps families resolve debt issues, become financially stronger, and break the cycle of poverty. The team is experienced in welfare rights, income maximization, and money advice, and they understand the impact of trauma and adversity on families.
Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)
Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)
Is based on the belief that families are best suited to make decisions for their children and usually provide the best environment for them to grow up. FGDM empowers the wider family to create and own the plan for the child during a Family Group Meeting, leading to greater commitment to achieving the plan's outcomes. These meetings are held in safe, neutral spaces to encourage connection and engagement from the start.
FGDM can be used in various decision-making processes, ensuring that the wider family, including children, collaborates with professionals to create effective and participative plans. This approach is used in Child Protection processes, early intervention, and the Education system to achieve positive outcomes for children.
Page updated
Report abuse