Measures in the Children (Scotland) Bill include regulation of child contact centres to ensure every one is a safe place for children to meet family members.

Child welfare reporters, who can be appointed when a court has been asked to resolve a dispute between parents, will also be regulated under the bill. This will ensure reporters are trained to recognise and respond to issues such as domestic abuse and coercive control.

Other improvements for victims of domestic abuse and their children include allowing screens and a live video link to be used in child welfare hearings and preventing a party from conducting their own case if there is a vulnerable witness.

Legal affairs minister Ash Denham said: “Family breakdown can be very distressing for children and it is our responsibility to ensure that Scotland’s family justice system shows compassion and does not contribute further to their suffering.

“It is vital that in every case the best interests of the child remain paramount. We also need to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to have their views heard.

“In developing this bill we have been guided by their views and experiences, and I’m very pleased that Parliament has signalled its general support for the measures we are seeking to introduce.”