Children's Voices in Family Law Intern (Find A Solution 2025)

This internship is part of the Find a Solution programme which brings together current students and local Third Sector organisations to tackle issues of strategic importance through projects that will have a lasting impact. The role will be for a total of 160 hours, to be worked flexibly between June and September (to be discussed with successful candidate). This role is being funded by the Economic and Social Research Council Impact Acceleration Account (ESRC IAA), and therefore is only open to PGT and PGR students in the College of Social Sciences. Shared Parenting Scotland is Scotland's leading charity dedicated to supporting families through separation by advocating for shared parenting arrangements that prioritise the rights and well-being of children. With more than a third of children in Scottish schools having parents who live apart, we work to ensure they can maintain strong, loving relationships with both parents. Shared Parenting Scotland is offering a 3-month intern project focused on assessing how effectively children's voices are heard in family law cases in Scotland, in line with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The project will provide practical insights to support the ongoing implementation of the UNCRC into Scots law, helping local authorities, practitioners, and the judiciary align with new legal obligations while promoting shared parenting approaches. Project Objectives Evaluate current practices in capturing children's views during family law proceedings against UNCRC standards Identify gaps and strengths in practice from the perspective of parents and children and young people Provide actionable recommendations to improve child participation in line with UNCRC requirements Develop public-facing communications (including a video and/or set of infographics) to raise awareness among practitioners, the judiciary, and relevant partners. Project Activities The project will include the following activities: Research: Conduct surveys or interviews with people who have experienced family law proceedings to gather qualitative insights into their experiences and draw upon existing evidence and publications. Compile desk-based comparisons from international jurisdictions to help form recommendations – focusing on countries where UNCRC has been implemented into law. Evaluation: Analyse existing practices (e.g., child welfare reports, court procedures) and benchmark them against the UNCRC's principles on child participation. Stakeholder Engagement: Consult with local authorities, legal professionals, and family support organisations to understand challenges in embedding children's rights. Policy and Communication: Develop visuals and public-facing materials, such as infographics or short videos, to share findings effectively with the sector and the public, influence public policy. This will be timely to influence political party manifestos ahead of the Scottish Elections in 2026. Outcomes The intern project will deliver: A detailed report highlighting how children's voices are heard in family law cases, with visual elements to enhance understanding. Practical recommendations for improving compliance with the UNCRC. Communication materials, including visuals and digital content and promote shared parenting and children's rights in the crucial implementation phase of the UNCRC in Scotland. Timeliness and Strategic Significance The incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law has initiated a critical three-year implementation phase. All local authorities and relevant stakeholders are required to integrate children's rights and wellbeing into their practices. This project will provide timely and practical insights to support this process, ensuring shared parenting approaches and children's rights are better understood by practitioners, the judiciary, and relevant partners. By aligning with this national priority, the project offers significant value to the intern, Shared Parenting Scotland, and the broader sector.

Shared Parenting Scotland is a small Scottish charity which provides support for separated parents. We encourage shared parenting arrangements after separation, so that children can continue to enjoy a meaningful relationship with both parents. We provide information, support and training to enable parents in conflict to come to child-centred agreements. Our service users include fathers, mothers, grandparents, extended family members and new partners. We publish 'user guides' to the family court process and on the involvement of both parents in their child's education and also publish a wide range of information on our web site and through social media. As well as providing support, we campaign for changes in the law and legal procedures that will lead to better and faster support for parents and children after separation and for dispute resolution processes to be readily available and child-focussed.