A new chapter for Shared Parenting Scotland: Championing the Rights of the Child
Shared Parenting Scotland can announce the appointment of Kevin Kane as Chief Executive.
Shared Parenting Scotland is Scotland’s foremost shared parenting charity. Since opening its doors in 2010 Shared Parenting Scotland has offered advice and support to thousands of non-resident mothers, non-resident fathers, new partners, grandparents and wider family members to put the long-term wellbeing of their children at the heart of their thinking after divorce or separation. More than a third of the children in Scotland’s schools have parents who do not live together.
Kevin takes up the post after nearly six years as head of policy and research at YouthLink Scotland (National Agency for Youth Work). Before that he was Policy and Research Lead at Victim Support Scotland. He is also volunteer Director and Company Secretary of Play Scotland (National Experts for Play).
Kevin Kane says, “As the incoming Chief Executive I am honoured and excited to join an organisation with such a proud history of advocating for children’s rights through promoting the benefits of shared parenting. As we embark on this new chapter together, I want to reaffirm the values that lie at the core of our mission: a child-centred approach, equality, empowerment, and respect for family diversity. For children, having stable and loving relationships with both parents promotes their emotional well-being, academic achievement, and social development. For parents, shared parenting cooperation reduces conflict, enabling them to work together in their child’s best interests. Our children deserve the best of both their parents.
Many families face legal, financial, and cultural barriers to shared parenting, and misunderstandings about what shared parenting entails can lead to resistance or fear. This is why our work at Shared Parenting Scotland is so crucial. We provide practical support to families, advocate for evidence-based policies, and challenge misconceptions about shared parenting.”
Chair of the Shared Parenting Scotland Trustees, Sumit Ghosh says, “We welcome Kevin in this new role as Chief Executive. We pay tribute to the steadfast leadership of Ian Maxwell over 15 years in building an organisation that is respected across the sector and which has supported thousands of mothers, fathers and grandparents find a way to nourish and maintain family relationships after divorce or separation. The challenges are still many but the rewards are precious for children of parents who commit themselves to work together as co-parents.”
Kevin has also posted a full vision statement today to Shared Parenting Scotland clients and supporters, where he lays out his personal vision and commitment for the charity and for progress towards shared parenting.
You can read Kevin’s vision statement below
As the incoming Chief Executive of Shared Parenting Scotland, I am honoured and excited to step into this role. Joining an organisation with such a proud history of advocating for children’s rights through promoting the benefits of shared parenting is a privilege and a responsibility I take seriously.
As we embark on this new chapter together, I want to reaffirm the values that lie at the core of our mission: a child-centred approach, equality, empowerment, and respect for family diversity. These principles guide everything we do as we work to support families to build a rights-enhancing approach to parenting.
Children’s rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The UNCRC provides a robust framework for understanding and advancing the well-being of children, particularly in the context of their family relationships. Navigating the complexities of family, policy and legal dynamics is no small task. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that these rights shape our decisions and actions.
The UNCRC and Shared Parenting
The UNCRC outlines several rights that are directly relevant to the consideration and promotion of shared parenting. These Articles serve as a reminder that the best interests of the child must always come first:
- Article 3: The best interests of the child must be a primary consideration in all actions concerning them.
This principle underpins our advocacy efforts on shared parenting arrangements, prioritising the child’s emotional and developmental needs.
- Article 9: Children have the right to maintain personal relationships and direct contact with both parents unless it is contrary to their best interests.
This Article recognises the importance of ensuring that children have meaningful and ongoing relationships with both parents following separation or divorce.
- Article 12: Children have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them, with their opinions being given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity.
This principle reinforces our belief in empowering children and respecting their voices in decisions about their lives. ‘Freely’ means removing the intolerable pressure to take sides. Children shouldn’t become de facto decision makers, choosing between their parents.
- Article 18: Both parents share common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of their child, and governments should support parents in fulfilling these responsibilities.
This underscores the societal value of shared parenting and the need for supportive policies, legal frameworks and resources.
Why Shared Parenting Matters
Shared parenting arrangements have significant benefits for children, parents, and society. For children, having stable and loving relationships with both parents promotes their emotional well-being, academic achievement, and social development. For parents, shared parenting cooperation reduces conflict, enabling them to work together in their child’s best interests.
However, achieving these outcomes can require overcoming significant challenges. Many families face legal, financial, and cultural barriers to shared parenting, and misunderstandings about what shared parenting entails can lead to resistance or fear.
This is why our work at Shared Parenting Scotland is so crucial: we provide practical support to families, advocate for evidence-based policies, and challenge misconceptions about shared parenting.
A Commitment to Shared Parenting
A commitment to shared parenting directly supports the rights of the child. Now that the rights of the child are incorporated into Scots law and we move onto an implementation footing, it is vital that we collectively recognise how shared parenting contributes to fulfilling the legal obligations set out in the UNCRC. By ensuring that children have meaningful relationships with both parents and prioritising their well-being, we can meet these legal requirements and create a stronger foundation for children’s rights in Scotland.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, I am committed to working alongside the talented staff team and dedicated partners, increasing our impact by focusing on three key priorities:
- Raising Awareness: We will continue to educate the public, policymakers, and practitioners about the benefits of shared parenting and the rights of children under the UNCRC. By creating greater understanding, we can build a society that values and supports shared parenting.
- Empowering Families: Through our workshops, resources, and one-to-one and group support, we will empower families to navigate the challenges of separation and establish arrangements that work for everyone involved – particularly children.
- Advocating for Change: We will work with partners to influence policies and practices that uphold children’s rights and promote shared parenting. This includes addressing systemic barriers and ensuring that the voices of children and families are heard in decision-making processes.
A Call to Action
Shared parenting is more than a legal or logistical arrangement. It recognises children’s fundamental right to have meaningful relationships with both parents. It is a commitment to putting children’s best interests first, listening to their voices, and supporting families in creating nurturing environments.
As I step into this role, I invite all of you, our partners, supporters, and the broader sector, to join us in championing children’s rights and advancing the cause of shared parenting. Together, we can create a future where every child’s right to love and be loved by both parents is respected and upheld.
Let us move forward with purpose, guided by the principles of the UNCRC and united in our shared commitment to children and families.
Thank you for your support.
I look forward to the journey ahead.
You can contact me at kk@sharedparenting.scot
