Hansard

I will consider that point, and Christine Grahame and I can continue a dialogue on it.

John Mason mentioned the parenting agreement for Scotland. The national parenting strategy commits us to updating it in 2014 and to publicising it more. We will certainly involve Families Need Fathers when we update it, and my officials will talk to Families Need Fathers shortly to discuss what we can do now to publicise it more. The debate is timely in relation to that dialogue.

This year we have provided funding to Families Need Fathers for a project that provides information and support to fathers and other family members facing contact problems after separation. It is also working to improve understanding of existing legal rights and to promote involvement of non-resident fathers in their children’s education.

I know how difficult some non-resident fathers can find it to be fully involved in their children’s lives. Indeed, many members mentioned that in their contributions. Contact cases can be very difficult for all concerned.

John Mason referred to article 9(3) of the UNCRC, which provides:

“States Parties shall respect the right of the child who is separated from one or both parents to maintain personal relations and direct contact with both parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to the child’s best interests.”

As John Mason, Malcolm Chisholm and Bob Doris mentioned, the key is the “best interests” of the child.

The relevant Scottish legislation—section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995—provides that in cases such as contact and residence, the court

“shall regard the welfare of the child concerned as its paramount consideration”.

We are not planning any amendments to section 11 that could have an adverse impact. We believe that, where it is possible and safe, both parents should be involved in the upbringing of their children, but the child must always be at the centre.

Sandra White mentioned courts and Christine Grahame gave a very factual and knowledgeable account of her experience in the legal field. I reiterate that I am happy to follow up any of the points that she wants to be covered. We are taking steps to improve the court system. Kenny MacAskill today launched a consultation on a bill to reform the civil courts, so the issue is very much live. That bill will address inefficiencies in Scotland’s civil courts and rebalance the system so that more cases will be heard in local sheriff courts. We hope that that move will find more user-friendly ways of dealing with family disputes.

At another level, we have established a working group on bar reporters, on which Families Need Fathers is represented. Bar reporters provide reports to sheriffs in contact cases. Moreover, members who were unable to participate in today’s debate have raised with me the practical problems that can arise when a child is relocated in the UK. We will continue to work with the UK Government to raise awareness of the practical issues of child relocation in the UK.

Bringing up children is a hugely rewarding job—none of us wants to forget that point, which was raised in members’ speeches—for dads as well as mums, but it can also be the hardest job that there is. If we are serious about improving outcomes for our children and young people, we need to ensure that all parents and carers get the support that they need, when they need it, and we need to ensure that dads are supported to play their full part. I am glad that Nanette Milne welcomed the work that we have done with the national parenting strategy to address some of the issues that fathers raised.

As the First Minister announced in September, the early years task force has committed £18 million over three years to improve the provision of family support across Scotland. I am glad that Anne McTaggart welcomed that, given her experience of groups in Glasgow. Indeed, I visited the Parent Network Scotland in Greenock and I very much understand its good work. Family support will be influenced by the fathers national advisory panel and we will ensure that family support meets the needs of fathers across Scotland.

It is important to recognise that we are not starting from scratch. Many members mentioned the dads rock musical playgroup that is run by dads for dads. I had the pleasure of meeting those dads a couple of times and I recognise the work that they do, which Mark McDonald and Malcolm Chisholm mentioned.

Removing the barriers that prevent dads from playing their part is one of the most effective ways that we can improve the health, wellbeing, opportunities and life chances of our children and young people. Investing in parents—by that I mean dads as well as mums—is good for not only children and young people but our communities and the cohesion and productivity of our country. That is something that we should not forget.

We have made a start and we are determined to build on that. We look forward to working with colleagues across the chamber and partners such as Families Need Fathers to achieve more.

Meeting closed at 17:48.