Why CounterNarrative?

A counter-narrative challenges the dominant or accepted version of a story by bringing forward evidence, perspectives and experiences that may have been overlooked.

That idea sits at the heart of what we do.

Within ASN systems, families can encounter statements such as “they are coping,” “their needs can be met,” “they don’t meet the criteria,” or “this is our policy.” These statements can quickly become the accepted narrative around a child — but they do not always tell the whole story.

CounterNarrative ASN helps parents and carers look beyond the decision itself and understand how it was reached, what evidence supports it, what the relevant rights and frameworks say, and whether the child and family’s lived experience has been properly considered.

What we do

We make complex information about Scotland’s ASN system easier to understand. We bring together legislation, policy, guidance, research and challenge pathways so families can better understand their rights, the responsibilities of public bodies and the options available when something does not seem right.

How we do it

Our approach is built around four principles:

Know the rights, legislation and policies that shape decisions.

Question assumptions, criteria and the reasoning behind those decisions.

Evidence what is happening through records, assessments, professional information and lived experience.

Challenge where the evidence, decision and relevant framework do not align.

CounterNarrative ASN is not about assuming every decision is wrong or creating conflict with professionals. It is about informed advocacy, transparency and accountability.

We want families to move from simply being told “this is the decision” to feeling confident enough to ask:

“Show me how you reached it.”