Why should Christians be concerned about the Named Person scheme? Isn’t it just about helping the most vulnerable?
Sam Webster, The Christian Institute’s Solicitor Advocate, answered these and more questions in an interview following the recent Supreme Court hearing.
Wellbeing
The Named Person scheme is part of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and will see every child in Scotland assigned a state guardian from birth up to the age of 18.
The named person will be tasked with looking after children’s “wellbeing” – which state-funded guidance has defined simply as ‘happiness’.
At the beginning of March, a panel of five judges considered legal arguments about the scheme at the Supreme Court in London.
Result
The Christian Institute, CARE, TYMES Trust and the Family Education Trust are bringing the case. Clan Childlaw is also intervening.
The Supreme Court’s decision will be delivered in the coming months.