Frequently Asked Questions | Volunteer Mentors | Child Poverty Target Consultation
Your mentoring experience is at the heart of the discussion around how we continue to work with the Scottish Government to eradicate child poverty by 2030 through the power of mentoring.
1. Why does taking part matter?
Under our Collaborative Power strategic pillar, this consultation directly amplifies the collective voice of young people, mentors, and partners to influence real systemic change. Grounded in our shared commitment to navigating financial barriers, this collaborative engagement ensures that relational mentoring and the ‘Trusted Adult Guarantee’ remain central to national strategies aimed at widening opportunity and delivering long-term societal impact for young people across Scotland, both now and in the future.
Earlier this year, young people, mentors, and MCR Pathways colleagues took part in a previous consultation. Thanks to their contributions, the voice of our community was directly heard and referenced in the Scottish Government’s latest plan. Crucially, this engagement also secured a further £1 million of investment into MCR Pathways’ award-winning mentoring programme, expanding our reach to support up to 5,500 Care Experienced young people and those navigating barriers across Scotland.
Taking part in this review ensures our community’s experience continues to drive real policy decisions and targeted funding.
2. What is the Child Poverty Target Consultation?
Our strategic partner, The Scottish Government, is reviewing targets established under the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017. Since these statutory targets were introduced, families and communities rich in potential have navigated significant ongoing barriers, including the post-pandemic impact and rising living costs. The review aims to evaluate whether the current metrics effectively capture what matters most to young people, children, and families, and how progress toward widening opportunity should be measured moving forward.
By ensuring the relational support of a trusted adult volunteer mentor remains central to national policy, MCR Pathways continues to champion young people as they overcome unique challenges and build pathways to sustainable futures.
3. What are the current targets being reviewed?
Progress is currently measured using four statutory income metrics (calculated after housing costs):
- Relative Income Standards: Measures whether families are navigating significant income disparities compared to the UK median, with a national target to reduce this under 10% by 2030.
- Real-Terms Financial Stability (Absolute Thresholds): Measures whether family incomes keep pace with rising living costs, with a national target to reduce this under 5% by 2030.
- Access to Household Resources & Essentials: Measures whether families have the resources needed for essential experiences, digital access, and everyday activities, with a national target to reduce this under 5% by 2030.
- Long-Term Financial Sustainability: Measures instances of multi-year financial barriers, with a national target to reduce this under 5% by 2030
4. Why are MCR Pathways volunteer mentors being asked to engage?
Mentoring is explicitly recognised in the Scottish Government’s policy approach under the ‘Whole Family Wellbeing’ framework and the Bringing Hope, Building Futures (2026–2031) plan. Trusted adult volunteer mentors work directly with Care Experienced young people and those navigating systemic and financial barriers. Your practical perspective on how young people overcome unique challenges provides crucial evidence to shape national policy and drive systemic change.
5. What key themes or questions should guide consultation discussions?
The consultation focuses on two overarching questions:
- Essentials for a Good Childhood: What do children and young people need to thrive, stay engaged in education, and build positive post-school destinations?
- Measuring Success: What should the Scottish Government measure or prioritise to ensure support reaches families navigating financial barriers and communities rich in potential?
6. Is this a mandatory requirement that I get involved and will I be required to share personal disclosure of my finances?
No, involvement in the consultation is entirely voluntary and that no personal disclosures of financial circumstances are required of anyone participating as part of the process. You are in full control of what you’d like to share at all times – It’s all about your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations for positive change.
7. How are your views being collected for the consultation?
- When: Available on the Mentor Hub from Monday 14 September until Monday 21 September 2026.
- Where: Attached to your standard weekly feedback form.
- Format: Two simple questions with open text boxes, allowing you to share as much or as little as you like. Completely Optional.
Please note that taking part in this consultation is 100% voluntary and entirely optional. There is no requirement to participate, and you will never be asked to disclose any personal financial information. You are in full control of what you choose to share. Whether you decide to answer the two questions or skip them, thank you as always for your ongoing dedication to supporting young people and the MCR Pathways community.