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Protecting Scotland's Children Since 1884
As Scotland's national children's charity, we have stood up for children since 1884 because every child deserves a safe and happy childhood. Our national support line and local services protect children from harm, keep them safe, and support recovery from trauma and abuse across homes, schools, and communities. We provide emotional, practical, and financial support to children, families, and caregivers, advocating for children's rights in policy and legislation. With over 140 years of experience, our team combines deep sector expertise with a commitment to whole-family support models like Bairns Hoose.We work alongside professionals across education, health, and justice sectors to implement safeguarding frameworks including Family Group Decision Making and Child Wellbeing Protection in Sport. Our authority stems from direct frontline experience and evidence-based approaches to preventing family crises and addressing emerging threats like online harm.
Services
Child Protection Advice
Family Support Services
Safeguarding Training
Mental Health Support
Online Safety Guidance
Crisis Intervention
Trauma Recovery
Policy Advocacy
Professional Consultation
Community Outreach
Highlights and features
- We have over 140 years of experience protecting Scottish children
- Our national support line operates 24/7 with specialist advisors
- We pioneered the Bairns Hoose family support model in Scotland
- We train professionals across education, health and justice sectors
- Our safeguarders panel works directly with Scottish courts
What people say
Lifesaving intervention
Expert advisors
Comprehensive resources
Prompt response
Professional training
Services
National Support Line
Our 24/7 helpline provides immediate advice and emotional support for child protection concerns. Specialists handle issues ranging from mental health crises to online safety threats. Available to families, caregivers, and professionals across Scotland with confidential consultations and referral pathways.
Bairns Hoose
This innovative family-centred model prevents crises through early intervention. Social workers collaborate with families to address challenges like neglect and domestic abuse. Proven to keep children safely at home while building parental resilience through tailored support plans.
Safeguarders Panel
Trained safeguarders represent children's interests in legal proceedings. They advise courts and panels on child welfare during hearings. This statutory service ensures children's voices shape decisions affecting their lives through independent, expert assessment.
Professional Training
We deliver accredited safeguarding programs for educators, healthcare workers, and sports professionals. Courses cover child protection legislation, trauma-informed practice, and digital safety. Training equips staff to identify risks and implement protective measures effectively.
Online Harm Support
Specialists address cyberbullying, inappropriate content exposure, and sexting risks. We provide practical tools for parents and schools to monitor online activity. Services include incident response, education programs, and policy development for safer digital environments.
People
Dr. Sarah Macdonald
Chief Executive
Leading child protection expert with 25 years' experience in social work and policy development. Dr. Macdonald oversees strategic direction and national program implementation. Advocate for children's rights in Scottish Parliament consultations.
James Wilson
Head of Safeguarding
Former local authority safeguarding lead with expertise in multi-agency collaboration. Manages professional training programs and develops child protection frameworks for schools and sports organizations across Scotland.
Aileen Campbell
Support Line Manager
Oversees 24/7 helpline operations with 18 years in crisis intervention. Specializes in mental health support for children and families. Coordinates volunteer training and quality assurance for all advisory services.
Questions
What support does Children First offer for families?
We provide 24/7 helpline advice, in-home family support through Bairns Hoose, mental health guidance, and online safety resources. Local services help prevent crises and build parenting resilience.
How can I report child protection concerns?
Contact our free helpline at 08000 28 22 33 immediately. Advisors will guide you through reporting procedures and connect you with local authorities if needed.
Do you offer professional training programs?
Yes, we deliver accredited safeguarding courses for educators, healthcare workers, and sports professionals. Topics include child protection legislation, trauma response, and digital safety measures.
What is the Safeguarders Panel service?
Our statutory Safeguarders Panel provides independent child welfare advice during legal proceedings. Trained professionals represent children's interests in court decisions affecting their lives.
How does Children First address online harm?
We offer specialist digital safety guidance, including cyberbullying response strategies and content monitoring tools. Our programs educate families and schools on preventing online exploitation risks.
