Children 1st is Scotland’s National Children’s Charity.

Children 1st began in 1884 and for many years were known as the RSSPCC (Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). They became Children 1st in 1995. Children 1st  did this to say that children are at the heart of everything they do. And that not only do they want to prevent harm - Children 1st also wants to ensure every child gets the love and nurture they deserve.

Children 1st help Scotland’s families to put children first, with practical advice and with support in difficult times. And when the worst happens, they support survivors of abuse, neglect, and other traumatic events in childhood, to recover.

 

Mission vision and strategy
Mission
Children 1st will work together with, and listen to children, young people, their families, communities and other organisations and influence public policy and opinion to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

Vision
A happy, healthy, safe and secure childhood for every child and young person in Scotland.

 

Aims
The strategic plan for 2013-2018 has two aims:

To be a strong public voice for vulnerable children and young people to positively influence public policy and opinion.
To provide excellent services which promote the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people.

To achieve these aims they will:

Use the knowledge, experience and voice of children, young people, families who use the services, and staff and volunteers, in the influencing and awareness-raising activity.
Develop and deliver services around the existing and emerging needs of vulnerable children and young people with an increasing, but not exclusive, focus on early years, early intervention and prevention.
Implement programmes to protect children within their families and communities.
Continue to be a trusted leader and effective partner and collaborator within national and local structures to influence the development and delivery of services, which promote the safety, and wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people.